showsct, a recent survey that 81% of military family members reported volunteering in the past year andthat is compared to just 27% of the general public. so you guys really make us all look bad. [laughter] but in short, your sacrifice and your service to this country, your family's stories are such an important part of our great american story. stories that remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. and that actually brings me to this year's official white house holiday theme, which is gather around stories of the season. this holiday season will be focusing on the stories behind classic american holiday traditions, traditions celebrated here in the white house and across the country. our goal is for every room and every tree to tell eight story about -- to tell a story about who they are and how we gather together to mark the holidays. and that starts, yeah, with all of you. literally. when visitors arrive, the very first thing they will see is the tree decorated to pay tribute to our armed forces. graced with special gold star ornaments tells the story of some of our greate