Obama visits troops in Hawaii

HONOLULU – President Barack Obama enjoyed a quiet Christmas with his family and friends in Hawaii, visiting with service members at a military base and taking in some NBA basketball on the third full day of what has been a low-key visit to his home state.

As he has during past visits, Obama made the short trip from his rental home in Kailua to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The president and first lady used the weekly video address to encourage Americans to show support for the military this holiday season.

“America’s brave servicemen and -women represent a small fraction of our population. But they and the families who await their safe return carry far more than their fair share of the burden,” Obama said.

“Let’s all remind them this holiday season that we’re thinking of them – and that America will forever be here for them, just as they’ve been there for us.”