Straight Talk With Sam: Christmas Is A Reminder Of What Unites Us

Statement

The House has now adjourned for the year. Even though the political debate continues in Washington, we prepare to celebrate Christmas not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans. I am reminded that what unites us as Americans is greater than what divides us.

It was America's sixteenth President Abraham Lincoln that noted "a house divided against itself cannot stand." One hundred and fifty years ago this country was on the cusp of a four-year civil war that would nearly tear our republic apart.

Ironically, history notes that many of the Christmas traditions that we observe today became widespread during the Civil War. Christmas trees had become popular before the war, but it was during the Civil War that decorating them became popular.

Christmas boxes or gifts were sent to both sides from home. These boxes held homemade goodies or even clothing to protect soldiers from the cold. Christmas carols were sung; reminding the carolers of loved ones who were far away from home.

Those carols are similar to the ones being sung across America this week and even overseas. Once again American men and women are serving away from home during Christmas. Whether they are in Iraq, Afghanistan or Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, all are serving their country proudly.

On this Christmas, I ask for everyone to say a prayer for those Americans serving overseas and away from their families. I also want to thank them for their service. And for everyone else, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

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