1 00:00:02,267 --> 00:00:03,432 - Thank you General Quintas. 2 00:00:03,432 --> 00:00:06,509 To General Nicholson, Ambassador Bass, 3 00:00:06,509 --> 00:00:10,023 to all the members of the United States Armed Forces, 4 00:00:10,023 --> 00:00:11,793 our allies and partners, 5 00:00:11,793 --> 00:00:14,523 it is my great honor to join you here 6 00:00:14,523 --> 00:00:16,634 at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan 7 00:00:16,634 --> 00:00:20,217 with the men and women of Resolute Support. 8 00:00:20,427 --> 00:00:24,094 (audience claps and cheers) 9 00:00:28,722 --> 00:00:32,129 It is humbling for me to address this force for freedom 10 00:00:32,129 --> 00:00:33,787 in this ancient land, 11 00:00:33,787 --> 00:00:35,942 and to each and every one of you, 12 00:00:35,942 --> 00:00:38,535 I bring greetings from your Commander-in-Chief, 13 00:00:38,535 --> 00:00:42,610 the 45th President of the United States of America, 14 00:00:42,610 --> 00:00:44,527 President Donald Trump. 15 00:00:44,576 --> 00:00:48,243 (audience claps and cheers) 16 00:00:51,995 --> 00:00:55,198 Now, before I left the Oval Office yesterday, 17 00:00:55,198 --> 00:00:58,550 I asked the President if he had a message for our troops 18 00:00:58,550 --> 00:01:00,217 here in Afghanistan, 19 00:01:00,476 --> 00:01:02,193 and he looked at me without hesitation 20 00:01:02,193 --> 00:01:05,671 from behind the Resolute Desk, and he said, 21 00:01:05,671 --> 00:01:07,504 "Tell 'em I love 'em." 22 00:01:07,898 --> 00:01:09,701 And during this special season, 23 00:01:09,701 --> 00:01:13,868 I know that President Trump was speaking for every American. 24 00:01:13,971 --> 00:01:15,181 You know, the Old Book says 25 00:01:15,181 --> 00:01:17,443 that if you owe debts, pay debts; 26 00:01:17,443 --> 00:01:18,726 if honor, then honor; 27 00:01:18,726 --> 00:01:20,809 if respect, then respect. 28 00:01:20,900 --> 00:01:24,627 And I'm here on behalf of your Commander-In-Chief 29 00:01:24,627 --> 00:01:27,010 and all of the American people to pay a debt of honor 30 00:01:27,010 --> 00:01:30,250 and respect and gratitude to each and every one of you 31 00:01:30,250 --> 00:01:33,250 for your service and your sacrifice. 32 00:01:33,770 --> 00:01:35,710 Give yourselves a round of applause. 33 00:01:35,710 --> 00:01:38,826 We couldn't be more proud of every one of you. 34 00:01:38,826 --> 00:01:40,006 (audience claps and cheers) 35 00:01:40,006 --> 00:01:42,423 (Mike claps) 36 00:01:46,247 --> 00:01:48,865 You know, I know it must be hard to be so far from home, 37 00:01:48,865 --> 00:01:50,687 away from your families and friends, 38 00:01:50,687 --> 00:01:53,104 especially this time of year. 39 00:01:53,155 --> 00:01:56,881 So in this season, I just want you all to know that 40 00:01:56,881 --> 00:01:59,448 you're on the hearts of the American people. 41 00:01:59,448 --> 00:02:03,220 In gatherings large and small all across this country, 42 00:02:03,220 --> 00:02:04,674 in the communities from which you come, 43 00:02:04,674 --> 00:02:08,708 I know there'll be a place saved at the dinner table 44 00:02:08,708 --> 00:02:10,342 for every one of you. 45 00:02:10,342 --> 00:02:12,643 And I also want you to know that millions of Americans 46 00:02:12,643 --> 00:02:15,387 will breathe a prayer of thanks for your service, 47 00:02:15,387 --> 00:02:16,988 and for your safety, 48 00:02:16,988 --> 00:02:21,155 as you stand for our freedom in this distant land. 49 00:02:21,432 --> 00:02:22,716 But whether you wear the uniform, 50 00:02:22,716 --> 00:02:25,133 or you're here as a civilian, 51 00:02:25,252 --> 00:02:27,323 each one of you have stood up 52 00:02:27,323 --> 00:02:29,675 and stepped forward to defend our nation, 53 00:02:29,675 --> 00:02:31,967 our people, and our very way of life. 54 00:02:31,967 --> 00:02:34,048 And your leadership and your service speak louder 55 00:02:34,048 --> 00:02:37,038 than any words I could say here tonight. 56 00:02:37,038 --> 00:02:38,248 You're patriots. 57 00:02:38,248 --> 00:02:39,498 You are heroes. 58 00:02:40,353 --> 00:02:42,705 You did not, as that Old Book says, 59 00:02:42,705 --> 00:02:45,442 love your lives so much as to shrink 60 00:02:45,442 --> 00:02:48,914 from this calling to serve and defend our nation. 61 00:02:48,914 --> 00:02:52,012 And while you come from the rest of us, 62 00:02:52,012 --> 00:02:53,929 you are the best of us. 63 00:02:54,052 --> 00:02:57,802 Every day, you prove a truth of history anew. 64 00:02:57,904 --> 00:03:00,752 The Armed Forces of the United States 65 00:03:00,752 --> 00:03:04,085 are the world's greatest force for good, 66 00:03:04,720 --> 00:03:07,719 and you are a part of those Armed Forces 67 00:03:07,719 --> 00:03:09,386 here in Afghanistan. 68 00:03:10,100 --> 00:03:12,936 It's because of all of you that we're safe. 69 00:03:12,936 --> 00:03:15,936 It's because of you that we're free. 70 00:03:16,052 --> 00:03:18,461 It's because of you that freedom has a future 71 00:03:18,461 --> 00:03:20,702 in Afghanistan and America, 72 00:03:20,702 --> 00:03:22,943 and all across the wider world. 73 00:03:22,943 --> 00:03:25,360 And today, let me assure you: 74 00:03:25,414 --> 00:03:28,659 President Donald Trump is the best friend 75 00:03:28,659 --> 00:03:32,826 the Armed Forces of the United States will ever have. 76 00:03:32,932 --> 00:03:36,599 (audience cheers and claps) 77 00:03:42,367 --> 00:03:43,200 You know, 78 00:03:44,143 --> 00:03:45,877 from the first day of our Administration, 79 00:03:45,877 --> 00:03:47,730 the President has fought tirelessly to make this 80 00:03:47,730 --> 00:03:50,348 strongest fighting force in the history of the world 81 00:03:50,348 --> 00:03:51,598 stronger still. 82 00:03:51,858 --> 00:03:52,758 Earlier this year, 83 00:03:52,758 --> 00:03:54,197 the President signed the largest increase 84 00:03:54,197 --> 00:03:57,213 in military spending in nearly ten years. 85 00:03:57,213 --> 00:03:58,796 And just last week, 86 00:03:58,965 --> 00:04:01,507 President Trump signed one of the largest investments 87 00:04:01,507 --> 00:04:05,674 in our national defense since the days of Ronald Reagan, 88 00:04:06,004 --> 00:04:10,171 including the largest pay increase for military members 89 00:04:10,896 --> 00:04:12,146 in eight years. 90 00:04:13,095 --> 00:04:16,762 (audience claps and cheers) 91 00:04:21,625 --> 00:04:24,672 And in case you didn't hear about it from back home, 92 00:04:24,672 --> 00:04:26,646 yesterday we cut your taxes. 93 00:04:26,646 --> 00:04:30,313 (audience claps and cheers) 94 00:04:32,591 --> 00:04:35,763 In fact, the average American family, including yours, 95 00:04:35,763 --> 00:04:39,335 will see a tax cut of more than $2,000 in the coming year, 96 00:04:39,335 --> 00:04:40,569 'cause of the action the President 97 00:04:40,569 --> 00:04:42,752 and the Congress took yesterday. 98 00:04:42,752 --> 00:04:44,764 And I wanna make you a promise: 99 00:04:44,764 --> 00:04:47,970 under President Donald Trump, we're rebuilding the military. 100 00:04:47,970 --> 00:04:50,513 We're restoring the arsenal of democracy. 101 00:04:50,513 --> 00:04:53,424 And we are once again giving our soldiers, sailors, 102 00:04:53,424 --> 00:04:56,028 airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard 103 00:04:56,028 --> 00:04:58,541 the resources and training you need 104 00:04:58,541 --> 00:05:02,374 to accomplish your mission and come home safe. 105 00:05:02,414 --> 00:05:05,175 That's our pledge to each and every one of you. 106 00:05:05,175 --> 00:05:08,842 (audience claps and cheers) 107 00:05:13,775 --> 00:05:16,481 And never doubt that your mission, 108 00:05:16,481 --> 00:05:18,776 your mission here in Afghanistan is vital 109 00:05:18,776 --> 00:05:22,419 to the safety and security of the American people. 110 00:05:22,419 --> 00:05:23,502 16 years ago, 111 00:05:24,599 --> 00:05:26,620 the forces of radical Islamic terror 112 00:05:26,620 --> 00:05:28,907 plotted and perpetrated the deadliest attack 113 00:05:28,907 --> 00:05:33,074 on Americans' homeland in the history of our nation. 114 00:05:33,555 --> 00:05:35,450 From the safe haven of Afghanistan, 115 00:05:35,450 --> 00:05:36,567 the terrorists of al Qaeda, 116 00:05:36,567 --> 00:05:39,317 aided and abetted by the Taliban, 117 00:05:39,363 --> 00:05:43,446 struck the United States on September 11th, 2001. 118 00:05:43,982 --> 00:05:45,982 We all remember the day, 119 00:05:46,295 --> 00:05:50,295 a day where we saw 2,977 innocent men and women, 120 00:05:51,572 --> 00:05:55,739 mothers and fathers, sons and daughters lose their lives. 121 00:05:56,000 --> 00:06:00,167 The American people understood this for what it was: 122 00:06:00,343 --> 00:06:02,093 it was an act of war. 123 00:06:02,499 --> 00:06:05,249 And as one nation and one people, 124 00:06:05,899 --> 00:06:10,066 we vowed to win this war on our terms, on this soil, 125 00:06:10,828 --> 00:06:12,585 and together with our allies, 126 00:06:12,585 --> 00:06:16,480 we came here to Afghanistan to liberate its people 127 00:06:16,480 --> 00:06:17,928 and prevent the terrorists 128 00:06:17,928 --> 00:06:21,345 from ever threatening our homeland again, 129 00:06:21,470 --> 00:06:23,804 and we are staying in that fight, 130 00:06:23,804 --> 00:06:26,668 and we will see it through to the end. 131 00:06:26,668 --> 00:06:30,335 (audience claps and cheers) 132 00:06:35,113 --> 00:06:37,780 This very base, Bagram Airfield, 133 00:06:37,865 --> 00:06:39,506 has been at the heart of our campaign 134 00:06:39,506 --> 00:06:41,506 from the very beginning. 135 00:06:41,531 --> 00:06:43,809 It's a bastion of strength and a beacon of freedom 136 00:06:43,809 --> 00:06:45,893 in this corner of the world. 137 00:06:45,893 --> 00:06:47,956 And has President Trump has said, 138 00:06:47,956 --> 00:06:49,539 it's thanks to you, 139 00:06:49,939 --> 00:06:51,864 and those who stood on this ground before you, 140 00:06:51,864 --> 00:06:53,147 that in his words, 141 00:06:53,147 --> 00:06:56,247 "The horrors on the scale of September 11th 142 00:06:56,247 --> 00:06:59,414 have not been repeated on our shores." 143 00:07:00,319 --> 00:07:01,152 Let me assure you, 144 00:07:01,152 --> 00:07:03,791 you inspire the world with your courage 145 00:07:03,791 --> 00:07:06,291 and your unconquerable spirit. 146 00:07:06,421 --> 00:07:10,015 You've crushed the enemy in the field and continue to do so. 147 00:07:10,015 --> 00:07:11,306 You've driven them into hiding 148 00:07:11,306 --> 00:07:13,432 and struck fear into their hearts. 149 00:07:13,432 --> 00:07:17,031 You've given the Afghan people the hope of freedom, 150 00:07:17,031 --> 00:07:18,816 the freedom to determine their own destiny 151 00:07:18,816 --> 00:07:20,104 and chart their own future, 152 00:07:20,104 --> 00:07:22,104 but as we all know well, 153 00:07:22,857 --> 00:07:27,024 these great achievements have come at a great cost. 154 00:07:27,764 --> 00:07:30,733 More than 3,500 members of our allied forces 155 00:07:30,733 --> 00:07:34,057 have lost their lives over the past 16 years, 156 00:07:34,057 --> 00:07:36,224 including 2,308 Americans. 157 00:07:39,243 --> 00:07:41,825 The Old Book says, "No greater love is a man than this, 158 00:07:41,825 --> 00:07:44,690 that he should lay down his life for his friends." 159 00:07:44,690 --> 00:07:46,690 And today, and everyday, 160 00:07:47,744 --> 00:07:50,577 we honor the memory of our fallens 161 00:07:51,040 --> 00:07:54,923 and let their families know that we will never forget 162 00:07:54,923 --> 00:07:58,423 their service or sacrifice in Afghanistan. 163 00:07:59,816 --> 00:08:03,483 (audience claps and cheers) 164 00:08:07,293 --> 00:08:08,630 But as President Trump has said, 165 00:08:08,630 --> 00:08:12,604 we also honor the fallen by achieving, in his words, 166 00:08:12,604 --> 00:08:16,771 "An enduring outcome worthy of their tremendous sacrifice." 167 00:08:17,249 --> 00:08:18,082 Earlier this year, 168 00:08:18,082 --> 00:08:20,296 President Trump laid out a bold new strategy 169 00:08:20,296 --> 00:08:22,894 to achieve victory in Afghanistan, 170 00:08:22,894 --> 00:08:26,644 and you are the instruments of that strategy. 171 00:08:26,686 --> 00:08:28,753 You're the instruments of American power, 172 00:08:28,753 --> 00:08:32,389 who are implementing that strategy on the ground. 173 00:08:32,389 --> 00:08:34,595 It begins by giving our men and women in uniform, 174 00:08:34,595 --> 00:08:36,312 as the President said, 175 00:08:36,312 --> 00:08:39,149 "The tools you need and the trust you've earned 176 00:08:39,149 --> 00:08:40,649 to fight and win." 177 00:08:41,453 --> 00:08:43,703 And we are doing just that. 178 00:08:44,618 --> 00:08:48,285 (audience claps and cheers) 179 00:08:51,018 --> 00:08:53,251 First, your Commander-In-Chief has made it clear 180 00:08:53,251 --> 00:08:56,457 to our allies, our partners, and our enemies, 181 00:08:56,457 --> 00:08:58,407 that the United States of America 182 00:08:58,407 --> 00:08:59,996 will no longer be bound 183 00:08:59,996 --> 00:09:03,246 by arbitrary timetables in Afghanistan. 184 00:09:05,261 --> 00:09:08,261 (audience applauds) 185 00:09:08,956 --> 00:09:11,057 As the President has said, 186 00:09:11,057 --> 00:09:14,724 America's enemies must never know our plans. 187 00:09:15,232 --> 00:09:18,341 They must never believe they can wait us out. 188 00:09:18,341 --> 00:09:19,966 Instead, our decisions will be based 189 00:09:19,966 --> 00:09:23,329 on an objective assessment of conditions on the ground. 190 00:09:23,329 --> 00:09:24,829 Reality and facts, 191 00:09:25,260 --> 00:09:29,427 and a relentless pursuit of victory will guide us, 192 00:09:29,700 --> 00:09:31,117 and nothing else. 193 00:09:32,167 --> 00:09:35,167 (audience applauds) 194 00:09:37,740 --> 00:09:38,573 Second: 195 00:09:39,406 --> 00:09:41,211 President Trump has unleashed a full range 196 00:09:41,211 --> 00:09:43,461 of American military might. 197 00:09:43,595 --> 00:09:45,816 We've lifted the restrictions that limited the effectiveness 198 00:09:45,816 --> 00:09:47,483 of our armed forces, 199 00:09:47,508 --> 00:09:49,025 so you can, as the president has said, 200 00:09:49,025 --> 00:09:53,025 fully and swiftly wage battle against the enemy. 201 00:09:53,541 --> 00:09:55,627 We've given you new authorities, 202 00:09:55,627 --> 00:09:57,850 to directly target the terrorists and militants, 203 00:09:57,850 --> 00:09:59,875 no matter where they hide. 204 00:09:59,875 --> 00:10:01,426 And this Commander-In-Chief has empowered 205 00:10:01,426 --> 00:10:03,380 our battlefield commanders 206 00:10:03,380 --> 00:10:07,063 with the freedom and flexibility you need to win. 207 00:10:07,063 --> 00:10:09,563 Bureaucrats don't win battles, 208 00:10:09,578 --> 00:10:10,578 soldiers do. 209 00:10:11,349 --> 00:10:12,588 And under this President, 210 00:10:12,588 --> 00:10:15,171 we will never allow bureaucracy 211 00:10:15,532 --> 00:10:18,115 to stand in the way of victory. 212 00:10:19,255 --> 00:10:22,922 (audience claps and cheers) 213 00:10:27,076 --> 00:10:28,650 And President Trump and I are proud to see 214 00:10:28,650 --> 00:10:31,141 that this new strategy is already bearing fruit 215 00:10:31,141 --> 00:10:33,058 all across Afghanistan. 216 00:10:33,299 --> 00:10:34,716 And the American people deserve to know 217 00:10:34,716 --> 00:10:37,599 that with the courage of everyone gathered here, 218 00:10:37,599 --> 00:10:39,371 we're making real progress 219 00:10:39,371 --> 00:10:42,440 in this fight for freedom in Afghanistan. 220 00:10:42,440 --> 00:10:44,474 We've dramatically increased American airstrikes, 221 00:10:44,474 --> 00:10:46,765 and together with our Afghan partners, 222 00:10:46,765 --> 00:10:49,122 we've put the Taliban on the defensive. 223 00:10:49,122 --> 00:10:51,309 We've prevented them from launching a major campaign 224 00:10:51,309 --> 00:10:52,616 against a provincial capital 225 00:10:52,616 --> 00:10:55,317 for the first time in three years. 226 00:10:55,317 --> 00:10:58,339 We've targeted the Taliban's funding as never before 227 00:10:58,339 --> 00:11:01,655 through renewed attacks on its drug trafficking networks. 228 00:11:01,655 --> 00:11:04,642 And thanks to the leadership of your Commander-In-Chief, 229 00:11:04,642 --> 00:11:07,058 and the courage of all of you, 230 00:11:07,058 --> 00:11:08,956 in another field of battle, 231 00:11:08,956 --> 00:11:10,539 ISIS is on the run. 232 00:11:11,001 --> 00:11:12,276 Their capital has fallen, 233 00:11:12,276 --> 00:11:15,041 their so-called caliphate has crumbled, 234 00:11:15,041 --> 00:11:19,208 from Iraq to Afghanistan, and everywhere in between. 235 00:11:19,907 --> 00:11:23,574 (audience claps and cheers) 236 00:11:28,159 --> 00:11:29,480 And all across this country, 237 00:11:29,480 --> 00:11:32,280 we've won new victories against the terrorists. 238 00:11:32,280 --> 00:11:33,616 No matter what they call themselves 239 00:11:33,616 --> 00:11:35,534 or where they try to hide, 240 00:11:35,534 --> 00:11:38,639 and our enemies will have no time to recover or rebuild, 241 00:11:38,639 --> 00:11:40,810 because we will continue to bring overwhelming force 242 00:11:40,810 --> 00:11:43,977 to defeat them, every day, every time. 243 00:11:45,493 --> 00:11:48,243 The road before you is promising, 244 00:11:49,013 --> 00:11:50,513 but it's perilous. 245 00:11:51,261 --> 00:11:53,012 And this Commander-In-Chief is clear-eyed 246 00:11:53,012 --> 00:11:55,041 about the threats you face 247 00:11:55,041 --> 00:11:57,475 and the challenges that lie ahead. 248 00:11:57,475 --> 00:11:59,892 But today, let me assure you: 249 00:12:00,745 --> 00:12:03,245 President Trump has your back. 250 00:12:05,291 --> 00:12:08,958 (audience claps and cheers) 251 00:12:12,495 --> 00:12:14,630 And this President will always be unwavering 252 00:12:14,630 --> 00:12:16,588 in his commitment to give you the tools you need 253 00:12:16,588 --> 00:12:18,005 to fight and win. 254 00:12:18,461 --> 00:12:20,416 Thanks to our new strategy, 255 00:12:20,416 --> 00:12:23,200 our allies have stepped up as never before. 256 00:12:23,200 --> 00:12:25,510 This very gathering is proof. 257 00:12:25,510 --> 00:12:27,273 Resolute Support has already brought together 258 00:12:27,273 --> 00:12:30,066 the United States with 38 other countries from NATO, 259 00:12:30,066 --> 00:12:31,983 across the wider world. 260 00:12:32,085 --> 00:12:33,731 They're sending their best and their bravest 261 00:12:33,731 --> 00:12:35,231 to this coalition, 262 00:12:35,405 --> 00:12:38,190 and today, you stand shoulder-to-should with them 263 00:12:38,190 --> 00:12:39,989 in defense of freedom. 264 00:12:39,989 --> 00:12:40,898 And under President Trump, 265 00:12:40,898 --> 00:12:44,260 we'll continue to forge an ever-closer amount of cooperation 266 00:12:44,260 --> 00:12:46,608 with our allies and our partners, 267 00:12:46,608 --> 00:12:49,249 and we will never ignore the dangers you face, 268 00:12:49,249 --> 00:12:50,190 even when they emerge 269 00:12:50,190 --> 00:12:53,440 from beyond the borders of Afghanistan. 270 00:12:54,825 --> 00:12:56,742 You know, for too long, 271 00:12:56,757 --> 00:12:59,573 Pakistan has provided safe haven to the Taliban 272 00:12:59,573 --> 00:13:02,323 and many terrorist organizations, 273 00:13:02,730 --> 00:13:04,730 but those days are over. 274 00:13:05,027 --> 00:13:08,694 (audience claps and cheers) 275 00:13:13,586 --> 00:13:17,055 President Trump has put Pakistan on notice. 276 00:13:17,055 --> 00:13:19,854 As the President said, so I say now: 277 00:13:19,854 --> 00:13:22,112 Pakistan has much to gain from partnering 278 00:13:22,112 --> 00:13:24,029 with the United States, 279 00:13:24,644 --> 00:13:28,052 and Pakistan has much to lose by continuing to harbor 280 00:13:28,052 --> 00:13:30,135 criminals and terrorists. 281 00:13:30,785 --> 00:13:31,726 Beyond the battlefield, 282 00:13:31,726 --> 00:13:32,916 this Commander-In-Chief has ordered 283 00:13:32,916 --> 00:13:35,528 the integration of every facet of American power, as well, 284 00:13:35,528 --> 00:13:37,226 diplomatic and economic measures 285 00:13:37,226 --> 00:13:41,393 to achieve a just and lasting peace here in Afghanistan. 286 00:13:41,912 --> 00:13:43,995 And until that day comes, 287 00:13:44,180 --> 00:13:45,763 you can be assured: 288 00:13:46,091 --> 00:13:48,451 we will be relentless in our campaign 289 00:13:48,451 --> 00:13:50,330 to destroy our enemies, 290 00:13:50,330 --> 00:13:52,224 because as history attests, 291 00:13:52,224 --> 00:13:54,057 weakness arouses evil, 292 00:13:54,464 --> 00:13:57,631 and peace only comes through strength. 293 00:13:59,143 --> 00:14:02,058 (audience applauds) So be strong, and courageous, 294 00:14:02,058 --> 00:14:03,334 and do the work of freedom. 295 00:14:03,334 --> 00:14:06,334 (audience applauds) 296 00:14:11,295 --> 00:14:15,128 The Afghan people are a proud and noble people 297 00:14:15,197 --> 00:14:17,030 who have suffered long. 298 00:14:17,030 --> 00:14:19,052 In the 1980s, during their long war 299 00:14:19,052 --> 00:14:21,469 with the former Soviet Union; 300 00:14:21,966 --> 00:14:26,133 in the 1990s under the brutal rule of the Taliban; 301 00:14:27,039 --> 00:14:29,592 and in recent years, from the terrorists and militants 302 00:14:29,592 --> 00:14:33,061 who continue to threaten their homes and their families, 303 00:14:33,061 --> 00:14:34,728 and who have claimed the lives of more than 304 00:14:34,728 --> 00:14:38,478 3,500 brave Afghan soldiers, security forces, 305 00:14:39,192 --> 00:14:41,775 along with countless civilians. 306 00:14:41,930 --> 00:14:43,824 But through all the strife, 307 00:14:43,824 --> 00:14:46,074 through all their struggle, 308 00:14:46,122 --> 00:14:47,284 the Afghan people, 309 00:14:47,284 --> 00:14:51,451 those you serve alongside in their armed forces today, 310 00:14:51,729 --> 00:14:54,780 have never lost their love of freedom, 311 00:14:54,780 --> 00:14:56,866 never lost their courage or their yearning 312 00:14:56,866 --> 00:15:00,283 to live in a land free of terror and war. 313 00:15:01,340 --> 00:15:04,590 And let the people of Afghanistan know: 314 00:15:05,468 --> 00:15:09,385 the United States of American stands with them. 315 00:15:10,246 --> 00:15:13,246 (audience applauds) 316 00:15:19,428 --> 00:15:21,696 I just came from a meeting with President Ghani 317 00:15:21,696 --> 00:15:23,113 and Dr. Abdullah. 318 00:15:24,200 --> 00:15:26,727 We discussed the progress that we've made in this country 319 00:15:26,727 --> 00:15:30,047 and America's commitment to the Afghan government 320 00:15:30,047 --> 00:15:33,092 and the commitment of the Afghanis to their own freedom 321 00:15:33,092 --> 00:15:34,175 in this land. 322 00:15:34,816 --> 00:15:37,441 I said to them what I say to you now: 323 00:15:37,441 --> 00:15:39,743 under President Donald Trump, 324 00:15:39,743 --> 00:15:42,042 the Armed Forces of the United States 325 00:15:42,042 --> 00:15:44,875 will remain engaged in Afghanistan 326 00:15:45,088 --> 00:15:49,255 until we eliminate the terrorist threat to our homeland, 327 00:15:49,762 --> 00:15:50,679 our people, 328 00:15:50,803 --> 00:15:52,220 once and for all. 329 00:15:53,580 --> 00:15:57,247 (audience claps and cheers) 330 00:16:02,400 --> 00:16:06,567 It really is humbling for me to stand before you today. 331 00:16:09,044 --> 00:16:12,609 My father was a combat veteran, served in Korea, 332 00:16:12,609 --> 00:16:16,776 and I'm the proud father of a United States Marine, 333 00:16:17,176 --> 00:16:19,683 but my life never took me into the uniform 334 00:16:19,683 --> 00:16:21,433 of the United States. 335 00:16:22,138 --> 00:16:26,305 But every time I'm with men and women of our armed forces, 336 00:16:26,376 --> 00:16:27,459 I'm inspired. 337 00:16:28,482 --> 00:16:30,899 I'm inspired by your courage, 338 00:16:31,099 --> 00:16:32,849 by your selflessness, 339 00:16:33,806 --> 00:16:37,473 by your love of country and your patriotism. 340 00:16:37,549 --> 00:16:40,882 You stand here on a frontier of freedom. 341 00:16:41,313 --> 00:16:44,418 You stand tall and proud in defense of 342 00:16:44,418 --> 00:16:48,585 our families, our citizens, and our most cherished values. 343 00:16:49,780 --> 00:16:51,613 Your mission is vital. 344 00:16:52,148 --> 00:16:54,140 And today, on behalf of your Commander-In-Chief, 345 00:16:54,140 --> 00:16:55,807 I say to all of you: 346 00:16:56,426 --> 00:16:57,926 in the days ahead, 347 00:16:59,284 --> 00:17:00,784 mind your mission, 348 00:17:01,423 --> 00:17:03,506 take care of one another, 349 00:17:03,760 --> 00:17:05,711 respect the unified chain of command, 350 00:17:05,711 --> 00:17:08,294 and never doubt that every day, 351 00:17:08,470 --> 00:17:09,803 every operation, 352 00:17:10,128 --> 00:17:13,461 and every decision that you make matters 353 00:17:13,928 --> 00:17:16,595 to the United States of America, 354 00:17:16,754 --> 00:17:19,087 more than you may ever know. 355 00:17:19,603 --> 00:17:22,128 You know, many people live their entire lives 356 00:17:22,128 --> 00:17:25,378 wondering if they've made a difference, 357 00:17:26,220 --> 00:17:28,887 but you won't have that problem. 358 00:17:29,431 --> 00:17:32,181 Everyone standing before me today 359 00:17:32,504 --> 00:17:34,171 and around me today, 360 00:17:34,883 --> 00:17:39,050 stepped forward to join this all-volunteer military. 361 00:17:40,567 --> 00:17:44,734 You chose to be a part of something larger than yourselves. 362 00:17:46,476 --> 00:17:49,491 You've made a difference in the world. 363 00:17:49,491 --> 00:17:51,824 You've done a world of good, 364 00:17:51,993 --> 00:17:53,160 so keep it up. 365 00:17:54,233 --> 00:17:56,650 Keep lit the flame of freedom 366 00:17:57,344 --> 00:17:59,927 to hand to the next generation. 367 00:18:00,793 --> 00:18:04,376 Keep defending America in this ancient land 368 00:18:04,908 --> 00:18:07,034 as you stand courageously with our partners 369 00:18:07,034 --> 00:18:09,201 as they reach for freedom. 370 00:18:12,512 --> 00:18:13,941 And I will say with confidence, 371 00:18:13,941 --> 00:18:15,774 because of all of you, 372 00:18:16,730 --> 00:18:18,450 and all those who've gone before, 373 00:18:18,450 --> 00:18:20,783 and our allies and partners, 374 00:18:21,868 --> 00:18:25,618 I believe victory is closer than ever before. 375 00:18:27,255 --> 00:18:30,255 (audience applauds) 376 00:18:36,140 --> 00:18:40,074 I believe with all my heart that Afghanistan will be free 377 00:18:40,074 --> 00:18:42,157 and America will be safe, 378 00:18:42,676 --> 00:18:44,759 and we'll win this fight. 379 00:18:45,251 --> 00:18:48,001 As I close, let me just say again 380 00:18:48,158 --> 00:18:48,991 what a 381 00:18:49,576 --> 00:18:53,659 special honor it is for me to be with all of you, 382 00:18:54,784 --> 00:18:58,078 especially at this special time of the year. 383 00:18:58,078 --> 00:19:00,636 It was a few months ago when President Trump said to me 384 00:19:00,636 --> 00:19:02,803 he wanted me to get there. 385 00:19:03,877 --> 00:19:08,044 He wanted me to get there before a special holiday 386 00:19:08,398 --> 00:19:10,815 for the American people or I, 387 00:19:11,048 --> 00:19:13,437 just to make sure you knew that he was thinkin' of ya, 388 00:19:13,437 --> 00:19:14,270 and that 389 00:19:15,101 --> 00:19:18,708 millions of the American people have you on our hearts. 390 00:19:18,708 --> 00:19:20,294 Now, I know there's many faith traditions 391 00:19:20,294 --> 00:19:24,461 represented here, and no matter your background and belief, 392 00:19:24,461 --> 00:19:26,461 I hope you find renewal, 393 00:19:27,186 --> 00:19:28,853 and renewed strength 394 00:19:29,047 --> 00:19:30,297 in this season. 395 00:19:31,522 --> 00:19:34,653 And for all of you who, like my family, 396 00:19:34,653 --> 00:19:36,570 in the coming days will 397 00:19:37,708 --> 00:19:39,125 look to a manger, 398 00:19:40,614 --> 00:19:42,043 and will once again in your hearts 399 00:19:42,043 --> 00:19:45,626 claim the promise announced on a Holy Night 400 00:19:46,081 --> 00:19:49,581 of peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, 401 00:19:50,727 --> 00:19:53,477 let me say from the First Family, 402 00:19:54,100 --> 00:19:55,350 from my family, 403 00:19:56,045 --> 00:19:58,795 from families all across America: 404 00:20:00,123 --> 00:20:01,456 Merry Christmas. 405 00:20:01,608 --> 00:20:05,275 (audience claps and cheers) 406 00:20:06,889 --> 00:20:08,070 And to all of you, 407 00:20:08,070 --> 00:20:11,737 (audience claps and cheers) 408 00:20:16,034 --> 00:20:17,534 may God bless you. 409 00:20:18,441 --> 00:20:20,515 May God bless all who wear the uniform 410 00:20:20,515 --> 00:20:22,733 of the United States here in Afghanistan 411 00:20:22,733 --> 00:20:24,482 and across the wider world. 412 00:20:24,482 --> 00:20:28,232 May God bless the good people of Afghanistan, 413 00:20:28,610 --> 00:20:31,420 and may God continue to bless the Unites States.