Obama: Spirit of service 'connects us all'

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama, saying it is "the spirit of service that connects us all this season," called on Americans to help veterans and homeless people.

In his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday, for which he was joined by first lady Michelle Obama, the president urged listeners to give thanks for the service of U.S. military veterans and their families.

"And let's say a prayer for all our troops standing post all over the world, especially our brave men and women in Afghanistan who are serving, even as we speak, in harm's way to protect the freedoms and security we hold dear," he said.

"Let's ask ourselves, 'How can I give back? How can my family serve them as well as they've served us,'" the first lady said. "One way you can get started is to visit JoiningForces.gov to find out how you can get involved in your community."

"Giving of ourselves; service to others -- that's what this season is all about," the president said. "For my family and millions of Americans, that's what Christmas is all about. It reminds us that part of what it means to love God is to love one another, to be our brother's keeper and our sister's keeper. But that belief is not just at the center of our Christian faith, it's shared by Americans of all faiths and backgrounds. It's why so many of us, every year, volunteer our time to help those most in need; especially our hungry and our homeless.

"So whatever you believe, wherever you're from, let's remember the spirit of service that connects us all this season -- as Americans," he said. "Each of us can do our part to serve our communities and our country, not just today, but every day."

Mrs. Obama said Christmas is "a time to honor the story of love and redemption that began 2,000 years ago … a time to see the world through a child's eyes and rediscover the magic all around us … and a time to give thanks for the gifts that bless us every single day."