Bush Family Celebrates Christmas

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, December 26, 2001

Bush Family Celebrates Christmas

U.S. President Bush celebrated Christmas at the Camp David presidential retreat outside Washington. He and his wife, Laura, were joined by several family members, including her mother, Jenna Welch; Bush's parents, former President George Bush and Barbara Bush; and the Bushes' twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna.

Bush also telephoned nine men and women in the military to pass along his best wishes and to thank them for their service, said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel. Church services were held at a Camp David chapel.

Bush taped a Christmas message before departing for Camp David on Saturday. He said in the message that Americans were thinking of families who lost loved ones, both in the Sept. 11 attacks and on the battlefield in Afghanistan.

"America grieves with you," Bush said, in the message sent to radio stations across the U.S.

"During this time of conflict and challenge, Christmas is a day on which we celebrate hope and joy; when our thoughts turn to justice and compassion, and to a Prince of Peace born long ago," Bush said.

"This Christmas finds many facing hurt and loss, especially the families of terror victims and of our young men killed in battle. America grieves with you, and we hope you'll especially find the comfort and hope of Christmas," He said.

"Laura and I send our good wishes to all the families in America that have come together in celebration. We're especially grateful to all the men and women of our military, many of whom are today separated from their loved ones because they're serving our country," Bush said.

Bush plans to fly to Texas on Wednesday to vacation at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

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