00:00Hello everyone. It's truly special to be here today and I want to extend my thanks to Dr. Jordan
00:21for bringing us together today for this event that I'm so excited for and for everything that
00:26you do for the Red Cross. And I hear that there is a retirement just a couple weeks down the line
00:32for Dr. Jordan. So can we all offer him a round of applause for 13 years?
00:42I'm also particularly grateful to be here today at Joint Base Andrews. I always look forward to
00:48returning to America's airfield and to the incredible community that supports its mission
00:52every day. JD and I are inspired every time we fly by your care and professionalism and are deeply
00:58grateful for your service. The care packages that we're assembling today are part of a proud and
01:04enduring tradition. The Red Cross began distributing these packages during World War I and has continued
01:10that work ever since. Each year more than 220,000 active duty and veteran families also receive Red
01:17Cross assistance wherever they are, whenever they need it. It's an honor to contribute to that legacy
01:23of service today. As we enter the holiday season, may we be reminded of our shared responsibility for
01:30our communities, our neighbors, and our nation. And may we continue to lift up those who serve and
01:36sacrifice for our country. Today's event would not be possible without our remarkable First Lady. She has shown a
01:45deep and enduring commitment to the well-being of children and families, especially within our
01:50military. Her efforts bring hope and support to countless households and her example inspires all of
01:57us to serve our communities with care and compassion. It is a privilege to stand here with her today.
02:04Please join me in welcoming our First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump.
02:15Good afternoon. Thank you, Usha, for your kind introduction and for joining us today. And thank you, Dr. Jordan, for all what you do. And good luck in the
02:44time. And good luck with your retirement and spending time with your family.
02:50It is wonderful to be here, adjoined Base Andrews. It is an honor to begin this holiday season with all of you.
03:00Twelve days ago, I visited MCAS New River and Camp Lejeune to spend time with our brave Marines, military,
03:10connected students and their families. I wanted to thank the team here at St. Andrews for supporting that
03:20important visit. Today, we are surrounded by people whose strength is often quiet, but always powerful.
03:30We speak regularly of the bravery of our service members, and we should.
03:36But we must also illuminate the bravery of those who walk beside them, the spouses who carry the weight
03:46of family life on top of their own dreams. Your lives require a silence that few outside the military can
03:56understand. Moves that make you make you to take across the country and around the world.
04:05Holidays spent with an empty chair at the table. Milestones celebrated over screen because the person you love
04:15is thousands of miles away. And yet, through every transition, every deployment, every homecoming,
04:25you continue to show grace, determination, and unbreakable spirit.
04:31You keep life steady for your children. You manage homes, careers, finances, and schedules,
04:40all while giving comfort to your family. You carry this extra responsibility because you love someone
04:50who has sworn to serve.
04:54Today, we are here with the American Red Cross, which has stood beside military families for generations.
05:02The Red Cross supports our service members, veterans, caregivers, and survivors across the globe.
05:12We are grateful for all they do to support and strengthen our military families.
05:19As we celebrate this season of hope, I encourage everyone to also take care of yourselves.
05:26Your well-being is vital, not just for your families, but for your own future.
05:34Your journey matters. Your voice matters. And your strength continue to inspire us all.
05:43Every package built here today is built with American values. Each represents liberty, love,
05:51community, and honor. Each is delivered with heart and love, the foundation of our great nation.
06:02May this Christmas bring peace to your homes, safety to those who are deployed,
06:09and gratitude in the hearts of every American who thanks you for your service and sacrifice.
06:17Merry Christmas.
06:19Merry Christmas. Thank you.
06:47Merry Christmas.
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