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WASHINGTON - President Bush on Saturday urged Americans to help the neediest among them by volunteering to care for the sick, the elderly and the poor in a Christmas day call for compassion.
"Many of our fellow Americans still suffer from the effects of illness or poverty, others fight cruel addictions, or cope with division in their families, or grieve the loss of a loved one," he said in his weekly radio address.
"Christmastime reminds each of us that we have a duty to our fellow citizens, that we are called to love our neighbor just as we would like to be loved ourselves," Bush added. "By volunteering our time and talents where they are needed most, we help heal the sick, comfort those who suffer and bring hope to those who despair, one heart and one soul at a time."
On a day relaxing with his own family at Camp David, Md., Bush turned his attention to military personnel working the holiday away from theirs. Close by, he was spending time with the Marines who protect the presidential retreat during a dinnertime visit to their mess hall, according to White House spokesman Taylor Gross.
Gross reported that the president gave his wife, Laura, dessert plates that match her china set for Christmas. Mrs. Bush gave the president a raincoat.
Over the radio waves, Bush assured U.S. troops overseas that they are in the thoughts and prayers of their fellow Americans.
It was a message that has become a fixture of Bush's annual Christmas broadcasts, but one with added poignancy this year, coming days after a devastating attack on a U.S. military dining hall in Mosul, Iraq. Fourteen U.S. service members were among the 22 killed.
"In Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, these skilled and courageous Americans are fighting the enemies of freedom and protecting our country from danger," Bush said. He called 10 members of the U.S. military around the world and in the United States on Friday to thank them for their service and to share holiday greetings.
"By bringing liberty to the oppressed, our troops are helping to win the war on terror, and they are defending the freedom and security of us all," the president said. "They and their families are making many sacrifices for our nation, and for that, all Americans are deeply grateful."
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's Democratic radio address also praised U.S. forces.
"No one has fulfilled the spirit of the Christmas season more than the men and women who are serving our military overseas," Richardson said.
"That includes thousands of reservists and National Guard troops who are bravely making such tremendous sacrifices."
Richardson said the troops "defend our land out of the sheer values of patriotism, community and love of country. Our nation speaks with one voice when we express our gratitude."
Today, Bush flies to his home in Crawford, Texas, where he is scheduled to remain until Jan. 2.