The White Falcon - 21.12.1984, Síða 1

SEASON'S GREETINGS TO YOU AU
An American mil itary tradition
at Christmas is for the leader-
ship to send greetings, not via
Christmas cards, but in Naval,
or Air Force, messages. Here
are excerpts from this year's
messages:
Rear Admiral Ronald E. Narmi,
Commander Iceland Defense Force,
emphasized religious freedom and
the importance of NATO in his
message to military personnel
in Iceland.
"The religious freedom which
all Americans and many others in
the world enjoy would not be pos-
sible without NATO's defensive
shield," the admiral said. "The
sacrifices you are making here
in Iceland are an integral part
of that collective commitment.
Your personal contribution to
the preservation of peace in the
world is the greatest gift of
all, one in which you can take
great pride."
AMERICA IS AT PEACE
President and Nancy Reagan
sent a holiday message to mem-
bers of the Armed Forces around
the world.
"It is a happy holiday be-
cause America is at peace and
America is secure," the Presi-
dent said. He attributed this
face to the members of the Armed
Forces and their "devotion to
duty that permits us to celebrate
this holiday season according to
our own special customs and trad-
tions."
"At this time of Hanukkah and
Christmas," the President said,
"our religious freedom means so
much to each of us. However, we
know this is a particularly dif-
please see GREETINGS on pg. 5
No more beards says CNO
The Chief of Naval Operations.Admiral James D.
Watkins, announced in a recent naval message that
as of January 1, 1985, "all Navy men (will be)
clean shaven with the exception of neatly trimmed
and military appearing moustaches. . ."
In explaining his decision, the admiral re-
stated a favored theme, "Since the start of the
decade," his message says, "Pride and Profes-
sionalism in our Navy has grown. . ." He then
listed some accomplishments of the Navy during
that time calling it a "resurgence."
Then the CNO cited what he called a "more im-
portant factor."
"Our Navy people," he wrote, "are placing in-
creased emphasis on service and less emphasis on
self. Today's Navy is properly seen as an example
of good order and discipline, lean, strong and
ready for sea."
Admiral Watkins further stated that,"As a use-
ful by-product, (this change) will also provide
increased personal safety for those who must, on
short notice, be prepared to wear OBA's, gas
masks and, in general, work in stressing environ-
ments which are becoming more hazardous as tech-
nology, weapon sophistication, and hi-tempo op-
erations continue to complicate our. . .lives in
the work place."
(Editor's note: See related Air Force story
on page 5.)
Iceland's
Christmas traditions
Contributed by J02 Dave Sawyer
Haveyouseen the Christmas troll Gryla, or her
husband Leppaludi? They live in the mountains and
only come down during the Christmas season. . and
not to buy Christmas presents!
According to Icelandic legend, Gryla and Lep-
paludi prowl the countryside looking for naughty
children. If they find any they pop them into
their sacks and carry them home to be eaten as
the troll’s Christmas dinner.
It takes a lot of wicked youngsters to appease
the trolls enormous appetites and those of their
13 sons. By the way, the sons are now big enough
to help momma and poppa with the Christmas shop-
ping, which means even more danger for bad child-
ren .
It is expected that this story was concocted
by the ancient Icelanders to encourage their
chi 1dren to behave during the long, dark Icelandic
winter nights. The legend has softened a bit in
modern times.
A marked change is the more recent descriptions
of the troll sons. Nowadays they seem to look
more like little elves in Santa suits than trolls
Please see ICELANDIC CHRISTMAS on pg. 4