The holidays are upon us, and I hope they are providing a time of peace and happiness for you and your loved ones.  
As we gather together with family and friends this season and reflect on our many blessings, I hope you’ll join me in remembering those missing at the holiday dinner tables of our military families.  
Even if our own table doesn’t have a missing spot, we know a neighbor or a friend whose husband, wife, brother, sister or child is away fighting to keep us safe at home. These empty places represent generations of men and women, who have sacrificed to keep us free so that we can, in freedom, celebrate those holidays that are important to each of us. 
This month, I traveled through West Tennessee and visited with folks in McNairy, Hardin, Henderson and Decatur counties. At each stop, Tennesseans expressed concerns about the safety of our troops in Iraq.  
I echo their sentiments, and will continue to work with Senator Frist and my congressional colleagues to ensure that our military men and women have the best equipment possible to aid them in the difficult missions they are undertaking in Iraq. 
Our men and women of the Armed Forces, Reserves and National Guard – including thousands of Tennesseans – continue to serve in the fight against terrorism. Many are sacrificing the hope of being with family and friends for the holidays to defend freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. Tennesseans and Americans are grateful for their sacrifice and courage. We support them. We will pray for their safety this holiday season and in the new year.  
As we look forward to a new year and a new Congress, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the United States Senate. It is an honor and a privilege to represent Tennesseans during these serious times for our nation. It has been a priority for me and my staff to be responsive to you. We know who we work for, and we know why we’re here – to serve you. After two years in office, I assure you that I am still committed to being an ambassador from Tennessee to Washington and not the other way around. I appreciate hearing from you through letters, e-mails and phone calls. When the 109th Congress convenes in January, I will continue to keep you updated on the issues that matter to you. 
I wish all Tennesseans and Americans safe and happy holidays. We are truly blessed with the many gifts we share as a free nation.

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