Bush honors military in Christmas radio address

President Bush used his radio address Saturday to honor U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as military families celebrating the holiday season without loved family members.

“As Americans gather around the tree with family and friends, we remember the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and Coast Guard men and women who will be spending this holiday season far away from their homes and loved ones,” Bush said.

{mosads}He praised both soldiers and their families, who he said were “willing to sacrifice” for their country. For many in the military, Bush said service means living in a different country for a time or missing a family member stationed overseas.

“And this Christmas, many will sit down for dinner thinking of their loved ones half a world away. Those families deserve the thanks and the prayers of our whole nation,” Bush stated.

In Iraq, 3,886 Americans have been killed since the beginning of the conflict in March 2003, according to The Washington Post. In Afghanistan, 469 Americans have been killed since Operation Enduring Freedom was launched, including over 100 this year.

The number of U.S. casualties in the Iraq conflict has fallen since the so-called surge of additional troops under Gen. David Petraeus.

Last week, Congress approved an additional $70 billion in funding for military action in Iraq and Afghanistan despite opposition from congressional Democrats.