First Lady Melania Trump, along with Second Lady Usha Vance, thanked close to 1,500 Marines, sailors and airmen for their service to our great country on Wednesday as part of a Thanksgiving address at Marine Corps Air Station New River. The two women, the very definition of class, also greeted an on-base kindergarten class, where children whose parents are deployed overseas wore ribbons.
Trump delivered her talk inside the hangar, where a group mostly comprised of Marines cheered when both women saluted their sacrifice. “To every service member, thank you for your steady watch,” Trump told the crowd. “As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember the things that bring us together: a shared love of country, our faith in one another.”
The first lady then spoke about the families of the brave men and women who have sacrificed more than we can imagine to protect our nation and way of life. “Your families, the quiet strength of our nation, your love, patience, and courage, give our service members the confidence to serve with honor and the comfort of knowing home is always waiting.”
She then spoke of the sacrifice many service members are making in being apart from their loved ones during the holidays. “As Thanksgiving approaches, families across America will come together, but for many of you, someone will be serving far from home. Please know that our nation is thinking of you, praying for you, and deeply grateful for your service.”
Melania then gave thanks for the diligence of our armed forces in watching over the country and protecting its freedoms. “Thank you for standing watch so others can celebrate in peace. And to every military spouse and child, thank you for your strength and love. You serve our country too.”
As Trump and Vance rode through the town of Jacksonville, they passed by cotton fields, chicken houses, and military surplus stores. Every place they rode by, people came out to wave at the motorcade. Just before her speech, the two ladies stopped by two on-base schools, visiting an advanced-placement class at Lejeune High School and then a kindergarten class at DeLalio Elementary.
One kindergarten student said they were shy. Melania responded by bending down and giving the student a hug. Another student told the First Lady she was scared of snakes. The first lady responded, “Snakes can be dangerous,” creating a sweet memory that young girl will likely never forget.
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In the school’s auditorium, Melania and Usha watched as third and fifth grade students made turkeys using feathers and glue. Yahoo News reported that at least two kids to at a table sported a ribbon pinned to their shirts indicating at least one of their parents was deployed over the holiday.
While introducing Trump and Vance, Brig. Gen. Ralph Rizzo revealed that 34% of Marines are deployed in “harm’s way,” going on to thank the students for preparing 2,000 care packages for soldiers on deployment. “These moments matter,” Rizzo said, “because they show our families that their service and sacrifices are seen.” Trump then posed for pictures with students involved in the J-ROTC program.