Contact: Diane Morrow, 800-927-1517

VAN NUYS, Calif., Dec. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- On December 1, 2007, Operation Gratitude presented the first annual NATIONAL FREEDOM AWARD to retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Hal Moore at the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California. We Were Soldiers...Once and Young co-author Joe Galloway and the movie adaption's director Randy Wallace attended the event and helped pack Holiday care packages for U.S. troops overseas, along with hundreds of Military personnel and volunteers who gathered to pay tribute to the General's renowned career.

"In my lifetime, I have attended many wonderful events born from patriotism and caring," said Lt. General Moore. "But what I experienced on December 1, 2007 was one of the most moving and sincere gatherings of Americans, drawn together out of deep love and respect for each other and for our nation. The Award given to me was undeserved yet deeply appreciated. I accepted it on behalf of all those in harm's way who ensure our continued freedom and to whom we pay great tribute."

As part of the day's festivities, General Moore joined Operation Gratitude volunteers as they assembled care packages that will be shipped to 70,000 troops deployed in combat zones during the holidays. "I will be forever moved by the greatness of Americans," states Moore. "It was very uplifting to see more than 800 volunteers assemble care packages for our troops. For all the ugliness that comes at times, there are great examples of genuine goodness - and Operation Gratitude is that many times over. I thank God for our nation and our troops -- and for the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy."

A special gift was included in every care package this year--General Moore's new book, A General's Spiritual Journey, a compelling treatise describing his spiritual journey from childhood to his golden years. Moore also autographed copies of the "Journey" for the volunteers to take home.

ABOUT OPERATION GRATITUDE
Operation Gratitude is the California- based 501 (c) (3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization that sends care packages of snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions. Its mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and to express to all troops the appreciation and support of the American people For more information about Operation Gratitude, please visit: www.operationgratitude.com.