Honoring Our Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families During the Holidays

Holiday decorations at the Naval Observatory Residence, in Washington, D.C., December 3, 2014. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

This holiday season, in honor of our service members, veterans, and their families, the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden dedicated five trees at the Naval Observatory Residence representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Capturing their personal experiences, military families from all across the country handcrafted the ornaments that adorn the trees. Atop each tree is a gold star, embodying the spirit, bravery, and patriotism of those who serve.

Earlier this month, Dr. Biden hosted a holiday celebration in honor of our military, veterans, and their families at the Vice President’s Residence. "We owe thanks today, and everyday, to those who wear the uniform. And we owe a debt of gratitude to their families because, as all of you know, when you have a family who serves in the military, the whole family serves too," Dr. Biden said.

Santa Claus hands out stuffed champ dogs during a holiday celebration in honor of our military, veterans and their families, at the Naval Observatory Residence, in Washington, D.C., December 3, 2014. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Keeping with tradition, Dr. Biden -- a proud National Guard mom herself -- invited senior National Guard spouses, National Guard Family Program members, and their children to her office at the White House for a special holiday tree dedication. This marks the second consecutive year that Dr. Biden has welcomed members of our National Guard to her office for this event.

Dr. Biden places an ornament of the National Guard Memorial on a holiday tree in her office at the White House, in Washington, D.C., December 12, 2014. (Photo by SSG Michelle Gonzalez, National Guard Bureau)

The tree was decorated with 54 unique ornaments -- one from each state, territory, and the District of Columbia -- designed by the State Family Program Office in accordance with this year's theme, "Communities of Resilience." In keeping with this theme, each ornament represents its home state and Guard Families.

During this holiday season, we hope all Americans can find ways to recognize and support our service members, veterans, and their families in their communities. Go to whitehouse.gov/Holidays to learn more about the #WHHolidays.