March 22, 2008

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend, families across America are coming together to celebrate Easter. This is the most important holiday in the Christian¹ faith. And during this special and holy time each year, millions of Americans pause to remember a sacrifice that transcended² the grave and redeemed³ the world.

Easter is a holiday that beckons⁴ us homeward. This weekend is an occasion to reflect on the things that matter most in life: the love of family, the laughter of friends, and the peace that comes from being in the place you call home. Through good times and bad, these quiet mercies are sources of hope.

On Easter, we hold in our hearts those who will be spending this holiday far from home -- our troops on the front lines. I deeply appreciate the sacrifices that they and their families are making. America is blessed with the world's greatest military, made up of men and women who fulfill⁵ their responsibilities with dignity, humility⁶, and honor. Their dedication⁷ is an inspiration to our country and a cause for gratitude⁸ this Easter season.

On Easter, we remember especially those who have given their lives for the cause of freedom. These brave individuals have lived out the words of the Gospel: "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." And our Nation's fallen heroes live on in the memory of the Nation they helped defend.

On Easter, we also honor Americans who give of themselves here at home. Each year, millions of Americans take time to feed the hungry and clothe the needy⁹ and care for the widow and the orphan¹⁰. Many of them are moved to action by their faith in a loving God who gave His son so that sin would be forgiven. And in this season of renewal¹¹, millions across the world remember the gift that took away death's sting and opened the door to eternal life. Laura and I wish you all a happy Easter.

Thank you for listening.