Honolulu - President Obama took a break from opening gifts and singing carols with his family on Christmas Day, and spoke to about 580 military troops in Hawaii, where he and his family are spending their winter break, thanking them for their service.
Joined by his wife, Michelle, the president arrived in the 'chow hall' of the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, as the troops were finishing up their Christmas dinner. On Christmas Eve, Mr. Obama had placed holiday telephone calls to United States service members from each branch of the military, including the four members who were wounded in a military mission in South Sudan last weekend.
'Michelle and I know that we would not enjoy the freedoms we do if it weren't for the incredible dedication and professionalism and work that you do,' Mr. Obama said, wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt and dark khaki pants. ' The least we can do is just let you all know we're grateful to you.'
The president added: 'We hope that the mess has done right by you and that the food is pretty good.'
Earlier in the day, Mr. and Mrs. Obama also released a holiday-themed weekly address, in which they emphasized the spirit of giving that marks the season.
Talking about Americans who had volunteered in their communities - helping out in soup kitchens, or organizing gift drives for children in need - Mr. Obama said, 'And for all of us as Americans, regardless of our faith, those are values that can drive us to be better parents and friends, better neighbors and better citizens.'
The first lady picked up on her husband's theme: 'So as we look to the New Year, let's pledge ourselves to living out those values by reaching out and lifting up those in our communities who could use a hand up,' Mrs. Obama said.
On Christmas Eve, Mrs. Obama had also gotten into the festive spirit early as part of the annual NORAD Tracks Santa Program; she fielded calls from children across the country, giving them updates on the progress Santa and his reindeers were making across the night sky.
Back on the base on Wednesday, the president ended on a hopeful note, wishing the assembled troops a Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. 'We hope all of you have a Mele Kalikimaka,' he said, ' and we hope you guys have a great new year, as well.'
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