President-elect Barack Obama joyfully visited military personnel along with their familiesz at a Marine Corps base in Hawaii on Thursday.
Obama went to Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay on Oahu to join and greet marines and sailors. They also enjoyeda good traditional dinner which inlcludes thanksgiving presto turkey and roast beef.
Dressed in a casual blue polo shirt and khaki trousers, Obama shook hands, bid his warmest greetings, and posed for photos in the events Christams decorated dining hall. This act was a surprise for the marines since Obama did not say any gist of his coming on the event. Obama spent about an hour chatting with the marines and seriously told every table his pleasantries.
“Just wanted to say, ‘Hi, hey guys,’” Obama said at one point while reporters were allowed in the room.
Obama also stated a message of honor toward those military men and women who proudly gave their service for the country. This includes the 140,000 soldiers currently serving in Iraq and 30,000 in Afghanistan.
“As we celebrate this joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who serve our country far from home,” he said in the said message.
“Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all, and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries.”
In the broadcast message, Obama also called on Americans to “renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship.”
“These are also tough times for many Americans struggling in our sluggish economy,” he said.
“Now, more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans — that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper. … We must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation; and to start a new chapter for our great country.”
Obama said that notion “will guide my administration in the New Year. If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history, then I know that we can put our people back to work … and reach the promise of a brighter day.”
