So I see the terrorist attacks as acknowledgement on the terrorists’ part that this is a center of gravity [in the war on terror] and that they’re losing.

They are proud of what they are doing. They thank me for coming over here when it really should be me who is thanking them.

We expect our leaders to lead by example, but we do not expect them to give up their individual rights.

But in Washington, it makes sense for each of the services to be doing what they are doing, but that doesn’t mean we won’t keep looking at the situation.

The Air Force works with a lot of guardsmen and reservists blended into their units. So as they look at it, a four-month rotation works very well.

It’s because of you that Iraqis are experiencing freedom for the first time. And once they taste that freedom they won’t want to let it go.

When the Marines do the math, they figure they can get the most out of Pfc. Pace in six- or seven-month deployments inside a normal four-year commitment.

It boils down to the way that each service employs its force, and how best then to assure that they get the most out of the people they have.

When they wake up this Christmas Day, and they’re away from home, they also can take enormous pride in being part of a really historical year.