Washington, Dec 21, SPA -- U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, offered on Tuesday a warm winter holiday message to the 138,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. "There is perhaps no greater calling in life than what you are doing-standing on freedom's front lines," Rumsfeld said in the message. "To all of those who have lost loved ones in this global struggle against extremism, and to all of those recovering from the wounds of battle, know that all who have served our country have been part of something that history and future generations of Americans will honor for decades to come." "I thank you for your courage," Rumsfeld wrote. "I thank you for your commitment. And to your families and loved ones, I extend my deepest appreciation for your sacrifices."--SPA1123 Local Time 0823 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/226484