The aroma of roasted turkey and familiar holiday cheer drifted across the decks of Navy warships this Thanksgiving, a deliberate act of gratitude brought by War Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer. They traded their own family gathering for a mission: to spend the holiday with sailors deployed far from home, supporting the critical Southern Spear operation in the Latin American region.
Hegseth, a veteran of three deployments himself, understood the ache of missing Thanksgiving with loved ones. He recalled longing for the simple comforts of family, food, and football while serving, a memory that fueled his desire to bring a slice of home to those currently on duty. The goal wasn’t just a meal, but a tangible expression of appreciation for their sacrifice.
The visit wasn’t solely about festive meals. A shadow hung over the celebration, cast by the recent attack on Washington, D.C. National Guardsmen. Hegseth paused to offer prayers for the injured service members and their families, acknowledging the ever-present risks faced by those in uniform.
The Hegseths journeyed between the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and the destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill, personally serving Thanksgiving plates to the crews. Laughter mingled with gratitude as Hegseth playfully admitted to a habit of overindulgence – too much candy at Halloween, and now, too much turkey on Thanksgiving.
Addressing the assembled sailors aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, Hegseth delivered a message of thanks, echoing the gratitude of the President and the entire nation. He emphasized the vital role they played in safeguarding American interests, both at home and abroad.
The incident in Washington, D.C., served as a stark reminder of the courage and selflessness inherent in military service. Hegseth connected the bravery of the attacked Guardsmen to the dedication of the sailors, highlighting their shared commitment to defending the American people, whether on patrol in the capital or interdicting cartels at sea.
He and Jennifer expressed their profound gratitude, reaffirming their unwavering support for the sailors and their families. It was a promise not just of recognition, but of continued commitment to those who serve.
Closing his address, Hegseth invoked the spirit of George Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation, a historical echo resonating with the present-day sacrifice of the deployed forces. He offered a final prayer for their safety and well-being, a heartfelt benediction for those standing watch on this Thanksgiving Day.
