This Christmas, as has happened many Christmases before, many soldiers, sailors, and Marines will be spending the holiday far from home. The song “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” which was originally released in 1943 by Bing Crosby, was written to echo the longing of those serving in World War II for home and hearth.


And Bing will have to forgive me, but I grew up with the hauntingly lovely version of this song by the Carpenters, and it remains my sentimental favorite version.

This year, Vice President Pence made a surprise trip to Afghanistan to celebrate with our troops.

I know there are many faith traditions represented among our troops in Afghanistan. No matter their background & belief, I hope they find renewal & renewed strength in this season. From the First Family and my family and families all across America: Merry Christmas! pic.twitter.com/cV56Vpcxeb

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) December 22, 2017

Secretary of Defense Mattis paid a visit to Guantanamo Bay.

#SecDef Mattis visits Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, thanking all personnel for their dedication and wishing them #MerryChristmas – https://t.co/WixbB4UA5H pic.twitter.com/CuRpUwJRkW

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) December 24, 2017

And President Trump casually strolled out of the White House a few days ago to go on an unscheduled visit to Walter Reed National Medical Center.

Trump told reporters as he was leaving the White House en route to the medical center that he was going to “say hello to some of the bravest people anywhere in the world.”

“We’re just going to wish them a merry Christmas, a happy New Year,” he said. “We love those people.”

VIDEO: President Donald Trump traveled to Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. for a holiday season visit with wounded service members Thursday pic.twitter.com/sZVVRpNdZi

— azcentral (@azcentral) December 22, 2017

https://twitter.com/RebekahWorsham/status/944220888064561153
These are all men and women who would rather be home, with family or friends, celebrating their individual traditions tonight. Every family has their own special traditions – mine always has pizza on Christmas Eve, and the kids get brand-new pajamas to wear to bed. But today, these members of our military will be far from home, hoping to make a phone call or video call with their family over the time zones to simply say “Merry Christmas” and maybe see the festivities from a distance.

Remember them today, and if ever a chance comes your way to make Christmas a little bit happier for a military family comes along, take it.

Merry Christmas to all of our readers, at home and abroad, from the Victory Girls!