From around the world:<\/p>\n
Operation Christmas Drop<\/strong>, the annual event<\/a> in which C-130s drop packages to remote Pacific Islands<\/a>, completed its 61st year<\/a>.<\/p>\n Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan, were joined by the University of Guam, the local community and charitable organizations to provide more than 39,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies to islanders during Operation Christmas Drop Dec. 11 to 18.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n A commenter on AF.mil<\/a> site sarcastically noted it is only a matter of time before someone complains about the name of the operation hiding an attempt to conver the locals…<\/p>\n The Stars and Stripes <\/em>had a few more details<\/a>, including the Operation’s use of condemned Air Force parachutes, and the unfortunate consequences of using a chute that’s too small.<\/p>\n A San Antonio-based US Army Public Affairs officer, Col Wayne Shanks, explained that “Happy Holidays<\/strong>” is equivalent to the bumper sticker saying “coexist”<\/a> using religious symbols.<\/p>\n Wishing someone a cheerful season to celebrate family and friends in the way they deem appropriate, or following their particular faith or tradition, is what I believe our Founding Fathers fought for when they left England and headed for North America.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n That’s a bit of discombobulated history.\u00a0 “Our Founding Fathers” generally refers to influential leaders from the 1770s (give or take), most of whom were born on the continent.\u00a0 Those who “left England” did so in the two centuries prior, but they didn’t “fight,” nor was a “cheerful season” the reason for their decision to leave Europe.\u00a0 Many left so they could practice their own religious beliefs without government interference.\u00a0 He continued:<\/p>\n Some across the world have used religion to foster hate and use it as a cover for terrorism. We have fought, and are fighting, in some places on this Earth where violent extremists threaten governments and our national security. There’s nothing wrong with “welcom[ing] everybody.”\u00a0 Unfortunately, his wording implies there is<\/em> something wrong with acknowledging actual holidays<\/em>, like Hanukkah or Christmas.\u00a0 Besides, how can one assume that “Happy Holidays” is “inclusive?”\u00a0 Surely not everyone celebrates a holiday in December.\u00a0 Atheists don’t have a holiday (and if they acknowledge Christmas, then why not say Merry Christmas?).\u00a0 And ever wonder why the stereotypical Chinese restaurant is the only place open Christmas day?<\/p>\n The Air Force leadership sent out its “holiday message<\/a><\/strong>,” referring to<\/p>\n the many joyous ways we celebrate this holiday season…<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The generic message inspired a comment that wished readers “a Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Joyous Hanukkah etc. to all of you…”<\/p>\n The Fort Belvoir chapel held a Christmas tree lighting<\/a>, which was “a good way to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas<\/strong>.”\u00a0 They also lit a base Menorah.\u00a0 The chapel choir performed<\/a> Handel’s Messiah<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Despite Michael Weinstein’s previous insinuations<\/a>, local Colorado Springs Soldiers continue their annual support of the Catholic Charity’s Marian House<\/a> in Operation Happy Holidays<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cMarian House is our kind of place because it is all about service, and that is what we do in the United States Army,\u201d Col. Joel Tyler, commander, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., told the crowd…<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Navy Recruit Training Command is sponsoring “adopt a Sailor” so recruits in training can spend Christmas Day with local families<\/a>,\u00a0churches, or veterans organizations.<\/p>\n
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\nI believe we should learn from this extreme corruption of religion and focus our efforts to welcome everyone, share a smile and do a good deed for someone in need. Use \u201cHappy Holidays\u201d to truly be inclusive of everyone in our community and spread the joy of celebrating our freedom, our family and our friends.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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