WEBVTT

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Merry Christmas and happy holidays to

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our entire army family . As I look back

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on 2024 , I'm incredibly proud of all

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we have accomplished together . Whether

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you were deployed overseas , fighting

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wildfires , assisting in hurricane

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relief , or mastering your skills

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through tough training , your service

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keeps our nation safe and strong .

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Thank you for continuing to serve this

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nation . Because of you , our army

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continues to be the best in the world .

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As we look forward to celebrating the

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Army's 250th birthday next year , we

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should reflect on the legacy of the

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United States Army . You follow in a

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long line of brave , courageous

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Americans who devoted themselves to

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selfless service throughout our

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nation's history . They served with

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determination and strength from

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Lexington and Concord to Iraq and

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Afghanistan . It is up to you to

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continue this legacy and uphold the

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high army standards we have now and in

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the future . It's never easy , so make

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sure that over these holidays , you're

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spending quality time with your

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teammates , friends and family . It has

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been a pleasure serving as your

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secretary . I will miss you next year ,

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and I wish you and your loved ones the

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very best this holiday season .