WATCH: Mattis Gives His Final Christmas Message to the Troops

On Monday, the Department of Defense released Secretary of Defense James Mattis’ holiday message to the service members who are both at home and overseas.

“Since Washington crossed the Delaware at Christmas 1776, American troops have missed holidays at home to defend our experiment and democracy. To all you lads and lasses holding the line in 2018 on land, at sea, or in the air, thanks for keeping the faith. Merry Christmas and may God hold you safe,” Mattis stated.

In his letter of resignation, Mattis said he would leave the Department of Defense at the end of February 2019 to give time for a permanent replacement to be chosen and to attend one last NATO meeting in February. (Read more from “WATCH: Mattis Gives His Final Christmas Message to the Troops” HERE)

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