While the holiday season brings family and friends together, it serves as a time to remember our military families and troops overseas. This year especially brings new challenges as we continue to navigate the holidays during a global pandemic. Data from the Alabama Department of Health shows that numbers are sharply rising across the state, and we are setting consecutive new records for daily number of new cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus may alter how we spend this Christmas season, as well as the direct and indirect effects for our men and women in uniform serving around the world.

Each year, Members of Congress participate in the American Red Cross’ Holiday for Heroes program. This annual event provides an opportunity to express our gratitude and pass along holiday greetings and wishes to servicemembers, their families, and veterans. Like many other events this year, we were unable to gather and convey our appreciation in writing.

The Red Cross instead organized a virtual initiative for Members of Congress to send video messages wishing our servicemembers a happy holiday. I am grateful for the opportunity to send a special message to our deployed troops, and I encourage you this Christmas season to find a way to extend your appreciation to our military men and women for their daily sacrifices to preserve our freedom.

I am honored to serve a district that many active duty military families and veterans call home. Our servicemembers go to great lengths to defend this nation and everything it stands for, especially during these challenging times. I want to give a special thank you to all members of the military and their families, as well as our veterans. I hope you all stay healthy and safe this holiday season. From the Roby family to yours, thank you for your service, and Merry Christmas! 

Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.