[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 1 (Monday, January 5, 2004)]
[Page 1]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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The President's Radio Address


December 27, 2003

    Good morning. In this week of Christmas, Laura and I send good 
wishes to the families of America. We hope this season has brought happy 
reunions, celebration, and new memories to cherish as we approach the 
new year.
    Christmas centers on the birth of a child and on the message of hope 
and peace. We hear that message in many ways at Christmas, and it never 
loses the power to lift our hearts. The holidays can also deepen our 
sense of gratitude for life and for all the family and friends who fill 
our lives. In this great and prosperous land, we remember how much we 
have been given and how much we have to share.
    We think of those among us who spend the holidays in sadness or 
solitude. We think of those facing illness or the loss of a loved one or 
the hardships of poverty or unemployment. And across our country, caring 
citizens are reaching out to those in need by volunteering their time. 
By serving a cause greater than themselves, Americans spread hope in our 
country, and they make our Nation better, one life at a time.
    At Christmas, we also think of the men and women of our Armed Forces 
who are defending freedom around the world. These brave Americans are 
fighting terrorists in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere so that we do 
not meet these killers on our own streets. We are grateful for the 
courage and commitment of our troops, and we are safer because of their 
skill and sacrifice. Separation from loved ones is always difficult, 
especially at this time of year. All our men and women serving abroad 
can know that their families miss them, millions are praying for them, 
and their Nation is proud of them.
    All who serve others are living out the spirit of the Christmas 
season. The story of Christmas is familiar to us all, yet it still 
brings inspiration and comfort and love to people everywhere. The voice 
first heard 20 centuries ago in Bethlehem stirs churches and communities 
to open homeless shelters and food pantries and job training centers to 
help those in need.
    This Christmas season comes at a time of great challenge for our 
country. Yet the story of this holiday reminds us of an eternal promise, 
that God's purpose is justice, and His plan is peace.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 11:40 a.m. on December 22 in the 
Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on December 
27. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on December 26 but was embargoed for release until the 
broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of this address.