Barack Obama actually said...

"Even as some are coming home for the holidays, many more will be far from their families, who sacrifice along with them."

"Our way of life—the freedom, prosperity and security that we enjoy as Americans—is not a gift that is simply handed to us."

"That's why, on Monday, I'll be visiting our troops at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, to salute them for their service and thank them for their sacrifices."

"This month, our combat mission in Afghanistan will be over."