U.S. President Barack Obama's wished Americans a Merry Christmas and happy holidays in his weekly address, while including a special message of thanks to the troops.

The president said Saturday “let's take a moment to give thanks for their service….especially the brave men and women in Afghanistan.”

First Lady Michelle Obama joined the president, adding her own words of thanks. She urged people to find ways to let the armed forces personnel “know just how much we appreciate everything they do.”

Representative Mike Pence, from Indiana, delivered the Republican weekly address. He also called on Americans to remember “those who stand in harm's way far from home so we can enjoy this season in peace and freedom.”