The Christmas holiday season is a special time when family and friends come together to celebrate, create memories and recall Christmases past as they continue traditions. The memories of past holidays and the anticipation of future Christmas seasons keeps us all looking forward to all that Christmas has to offer. During this Christmas season let us thank God for the blessings given to our families, friends, community and our wonderful state. Let us also thank the men and women who are serving our nation here and abroad, protecting our freedom and liberating good people from years of oppression. To all the sons and daughters of America protecting our freedom, we send our deepest personal wishes for a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and your safe return home. You are forever in our hearts and prayers. C/O American Red Cross "We support you during your recovery" PO Box 419 Savage, Md. 20763-0419 Cards for wounded soldiers that are sent to the Red Cross by Thursday, Dec. 27, will be collected, reviewed and distributed to recovering military personnel as part of an agreement with defense officials that bends the rules of a 2001 decision to ban mail sent to unspecified soldiers. Red Cross volunteers at the medical facilities will distribute the cards throughout the holiday season, according to Walter Reed officials. For security reasons, the Red Cross will be able to accept holiday cards but not packages. In closing, I would like to wish everyone a blessed holiday season filled with joy, and your new year filled with peace, hope and prosperity. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!