Bush, Obama Invoke Nation's First Christmas In 1776 During Holiday Messages

December 25, 2008 5:48 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Delivering their weekly radio address this Christmas, President-elect Barack Obama and President George W. Bush both invoked the courage and determination that brought George Washington an improbable victory during the nation's first Christmas in 1776.

In a message also recorded on video and posted online at the transition team's website, Obama, who officially succeeds Bush when he is sworn in on Jan. 20, paid tribute to "the brave men and women who serve our country far from home."

"Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all, and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries," he said. "Michelle and I have them in our prayers this Christmas, and we must all continue to offer them our full support in the weeks and months to come."

He then spoke about the struggling economy, saying, "Now, more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans - that I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper. Now, we must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation."

The president-elect called on Americans to nurture the same spirit that guided Washington and his troops 232 years ago "through ice and cold to make an improbable crossing of the Delaware River.. [to give] new hope to the cause of Independence."

"Many ages have passed since that first American Christmas. We have crossed many rivers as a people. But the lessons that have carried us through are the same lessons that we celebrate every Christmas season," Obama, who is on a 12-day vacation in Hawaii with his family, concluded in his message.

Bush similarly honored the nation's military in his message, asking Americans to "take time to remember the men and women of our armed forces. "Every one of them has volunteered to serve our Nation. And with their incredible sacrifices, they preserve the peace and freedom that we celebrate during this season," he said.

The President, who is spending the holidays at Camp David with his parents and First Lady Laura Bush, said the legacy of Washington's victory after crossing the Delaware River "lives on in the men and women of the United States military."

"In 1776, it looked as if America's first Christmas as an independent Nation might also be its last... it seemed that without a miracle, America's fight for freedom would be doomed. [But] the turnaround that began that night would end with the United States' triumph in the American Revolution -- and the permanent establishment of a free Nation," Bush said.

"The members of our armed forces stand ready to protect our freedom at any hour. For their service, they have the thanks of a grateful Nation -- this Christmas and always," he added.

Bush, who is celebrating his last Christmas at the White House this year, made calls to exemplary members of the Armed Forces on Wednesday to wish them a merry Christmas, according to the White House. He also issued a separate message to the Armed Forces saying, "We remain mindful of your courage, ask God to watch over you, and pray for your safe return."