America grieves with you: Bush to twin towers families

President George W Bush today sent Christmas greetings to US troops fighting the war on terrorism and to families who lost loved ones in the September 11 attacks. ‘‘America grieves with you,’’ he said.

‘‘During this time of conflict and challenge, Christmas is a day on which we celebrate hope and joy; when our thoughts turn to justice and compassion, and to a Prince of Peace born long ago,’’ the president said during a holiday message offered to radio stations.

‘‘This is a day on which we give thanks for the wonder of God’s love, for the blessings we have received, and for the families we love. And this year all of these things seem particularly important.’’

Bush was celebrating Christmas at the Camp David presidential retreat outside Washington. He and his wife, Laura, were joined by several family members, including her mother, Jenna Welch, and Bush’s parents, former President George Bush and Barbara Bush. The Bushes’ twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, also were coming for Christmas.

‘‘This Christmas finds many facing hurt and loss, especially the families of terror victims and of our young men killed in battle. America grieves with you, and we hope you’ll especially find the comfort and hope of Christmas,’’ the president said.

He also telephoned nine men and women in the military to pass along his best wishes and to thank them for their service, said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel. The president and his family were to attend church services at a Camp David chapel.

Shirley Warshaw, a political science professor at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, said presidents rarely give radio addresses on Christmas.

‘‘Generally the nation is in less stressful situations at Christmas,’’ she said. ‘‘All the president is doing is continuing that Roosevelt tradition of bolstering the American spirit in times of American stress.’’

Bush taped the message before departing for Camp David on Saturday. He plans to fly to Texas on Wednesday to vacation at his ranch.