{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/releases?ContentRecord_id=a4ad26bc-0510-464f-a5e0-ca468663b8cf", "Merry Christmas from Senator Orrin G Hatch", "2014-12-24", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "UT", "Orrin Hatch", "H000338", "www.hatch.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friends,\r\nAs we gather this holiday season, it is natural to reflect on all those who bless our lives, our families, and our communities.\u00a0\r\nThousands of volunteers across our state and nation feed the homeless and help make Christmas a reality for needy\u00a0children\u00a0and families. Even strangers stand on street corners singing carols for peace. Acts of kindness and examples of service give grateful hearts a chance to flourish.\u00a0\r\nMy year has been filled with wonderful moments shared with family, friends, and Utahns from every corner of our state. You have uplifted me and strengthened my\u00a0convicition\u00a0that we live in a state and nation filled with wonderful people dedicated to preserving the freedoms we cherish.\u00a0\r\nOur liberties are defended by the brave men and women who serve in our nation\u2019s\u00a0armed forces\u00a0and are often far away from their homes and families during this holiday season. I honor and revere our nation\u2019s\u00a0service-members\u00a0and commend their dedication and sacrifice.\r\nOne of the greatest\u00a0privleges\u00a0I have as a United States Senator is to bestow military honors on deserving veterans, or their family members, who for some reason have not received the medals they have earned.\r\nThis week, I had the opportunity to give a long-overdue Silver Star Medal to Jeff Roberts, son of World War I veteran Corporal Jeremiah Roberts, who fought in the battle of Soissons France on July 18-19, 1918.\r\nCorporal Roberts was a runner in that battle, which has been credited as a pivotal turning point in the First World War. I was thrilled to present this medal to the Roberts family as a testament of the courage and heroism their father displayed during combat. Corporal Roberts\u2019 sacrifice is the real gift that keeps giving.\u00a0\r\nCorporal Roberts is not alone\u2014millions of Americans have bravely served our country in countless ways and sacrificed\u00a0mightily\u00a0for our nation to remain free.\u00a0\r\nThe holidays are\u00a0a season of forgiveness, they inspire acts of peace and love, and they present opportunities to celebrate renewed hope.\r\nSo as the cookies are eaten, the gifts unwrapped, and the decorations enjoyed, may we all also reflect on the goodness of our neighbors, the sacrifice of many on our behalf, and the strength of our nation.\r\nElaine and I send our very best wishes to you for a Merry Christmas and joyous New Year!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/releases?ContentRecord_id=a4ad26bc-0510-464f-a5e0-ca468663b8cf"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.614767825230956, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}