like generations before them, today's armed forces have liberated captive peoples and shown compassion for the suffering and delivered hope to the oppressed. in the past year, they have fought the terrorists abroad so that we do not have to face those enemies here at home. they've captured a brutal dictator, aided last month's historic election in afghanistan, and help set iraq on the path to democracy.
our progrein the war on terror has made our country safer, yet it has also brought new burdens to our military families. many servicemen and women have endured long deployments and painful separations from home. families have faced the challenge of raising children while praying for a loved one's safe return. america is grateful to all our military families, and the families mourning a terrible lothis thanksgiving can know that america will honor their sacrifices forever.
as commander-in-chief, i've been honored to thank our troops at bases around the world, and i've been inspired by the efforts of private citizens to expretheir own gratitude. this month, i met shauna fleming, a 15-year-old from california who coordinated the mailing of a million thank you letters to military personnel. in october, i met ken porwoll, a world war ii veteran who has devoted years of his retirement to volunteering at a va medical center in minneapolis. and we've seen the generosity of so many organizations, like give2thetroops, a group started in a basement by a mother and son that has sent thousands of care packages to troops in the field.
thanksgiving reminds us that america's true strength is the compassion and decency of our people. i thank all those who volunteer this season, and laura and i wish every american a happy and safe thanksgiving weekend.
thank you for listening.