US military leaders publicized their “holiday messages” in a series of videos just before Christmas. Outgoing Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and his wife made a point of saying “Merry Christmas,” as well as including a still photo from a homosexual proposal during a homecoming ceremony.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Marty Dempsey and his family sang “Jingle Bells” and wished everyone a “Merry Christmas.”

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and her husband Frank Beatty focused more on the stress of the season than the joy, but still wished everyone a “Happy Holidays.” General Mark Welsh, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and his wife gave a similar greeting, as did Secretary of the Army John McHugh and General Ray Odierno, Army Chief of Staff, and his wife Linda.

The Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert and his wife, Darleen, opened his video with a Navy chorus singing “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and said “Merry Christmas.”

As if to prove there’s no pleasing everyone, one person replied:

Why are they wishing me a Happy Holidays, when the only Holidays I celebrate are in months other than December?

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The US Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw performed the role of Chicago’s annual Christmas Tree Ship, delivering Christmas trees in a tradition dating back a century.

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The III MEF Marine Band performed its annual Christmas concert in Japan. Even though it played such scandalous tunes as “The First Noel,” Chris Rodda seemed to keep her Christmas bitterness to herself.

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The US Air Force continues to support Operation Christmas Drop (Yokota, Guam), which provides remote Pacific islanders with airdropped surprises every year at Christmas — as it has for more than six decades.

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The 1ID helped get 7,000 Christmas presents to Baghdad for deployed troops.

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Troops deployed to Liberia joined with the locals in religious celebrations of the season.

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