Once again, as Christmas approaches, we find our country at war. As a result, young men and women, husbands and wives, mothers and dads, will be away from families and friends on Christmas morning. Some of them will be permanently injured; others will die. All of that so others stay free in the strongest and best nation in the world.

I would ask that any time when people meet a soldier or see one in a store, or anywhere there is a military person in uniform, people should walk up to him or her, extend a hand and say thank you.

Regardless of how individuals feel about the war, those young men and women are risking their lives for others every day, whether they are on home soil or fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Those military personnel are the reason I will be able to spend Christmas with my friends and family, and be comfortable in the knowledge I am being protected, not just on Christmas, but every day of the year.

Also, people should not forget their local public safety personnel. The police, fire, EMS and dispatch staff will all be giving up part of their own Christmases with their families to protect others.

May we all be blessed this holiday season.

Angelo Giberti, Lewiston