Secretary of Defense Robert Gates issued his annual holiday message this past week.  As is often tradition when mentioning the military and this “holiday season,” he cited George Washington’s Christmas crossing of the Delaware in 1776:

On Christmas Night, December 25, 1776, General George Washington and his band of 2,400 men crossed the icy Delaware River, won victories against British and German troops, and stirred new hope into the struggle for freedom and liberty… 

Today, more than two hundred years later, thanks to the efforts and toughness of the men and women of the U.S. military, the cause of freedom and liberty endures…

To the troops who watch over our nation: I thank you for your service, and I pray for your safe return home…

May God forever protect and bless you, your families, and our nation.

In an interesting contrast, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen traditionally sends his “holiday message” toward the end of December — yet he has avoided using the word “Christmas,” even when referring to Washington’s crossing on “the 25th of December.”

President Obama also issued his Thanksgiving Day proclamation:

This Thanksgiving Day, we remember that the freedoms and security we enjoy as Americans are protected by the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. These patriots are willing to lay down their lives in our defense, and they and their families deserve our profound gratitude for their service and sacrifice.