A short public remark by First Lady Melania Trump at Marine Corps Base Quantico centered on the Toys for Tots holiday program. She opens with a festive anecdote (Santa riding an Osprey), thanks the Marine Corps Reserve, volunteers, and the Toy Association for more than 75 years of service, and offers gratitude and seasonal wishes to military families and guardians.
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Thank you, General Anderson. It's wonderful to join everyone here at Marine Corps Base Quantico. You might be wondering why Santa asked me to bring him here today. Well, this wonderful adventure is filled with Christmas sparkle and lots of love. Santa's reindeer, Rudolph, Dasher, Comet, all of them, they are resting in the North Pole. They need to save all of their energy for their great flight around the world on Christmas Eve. Santa told me they are snuggled beneath warm, fluffy blankets, sipping candy cane cocoa, feeling the joy and love that will soon be shared with amazing children everywhere. So, with his sleigh parked safely with his reindeer, Santa climbed aboard my Osprey and couldn't stop smiling. I watched him gazing out of the window, grinning at all of the wonderful American families below. Santa told me that the Osprey floated through the sky like a giant snowflake, but it is way faster than a sleigh could ever fly. Santa, where are you? Santa. Thank you for joining me today. We are here for one of the most beloved traditions of the holiday season, Toys for Tots. Led by United States Marine Corps Reserve. For more than 75 years, Marines and volunteers across America collect and deliver new toys to children who need a little extra joy during Christmas. All wrapped with love and great care. To everyone here at Quantico and all those who support the Toys for Tatts foundation, thank you. This includes the Toy Association's generous support. I'm grateful for your partnership and dedication to promoting fun and creativity. You help bring the delight of Christmas morning to millions of children. And you remind us all that American tradition, kindness and love remain among our most powerful. To the families of military personnel, you are the heart of today's celebration. Your strength in the face of the adversity is inspirational. Some of the children here today have a parent stationed away from home right now. I know this can be difficult. On behalf of our nation, thank you. And thank you to the parents and guardians who are here today. Your support and resilience empower our Marines to serve with honor and distinction, whether near or far. You eliminate every occasion enriching everyone's life. This Christmas season, you, your friends and your families should wish for the ultimate gift. Love. After all, love travels further than Santa's sleigh and American Ospreys. Thank you and Merry Christmas and happy and healthy New Year. Thank you.
