“This Christmas season, you, your friends, and your families should wish for the ultimate gift – love. After all, love travels further than Santa’s sleigh and America’s Ospreys,” affirmed First Lady Melania Trump.

Mrs. Trump arrived with Santa Claus at Marine Corps Base Quantico with Santa Claus aboard a V-22 Osprey today. To the delight of United States Marines, volunteers, and military families, Mrs. Trump, Toys for Tots, and the Toy Association continued their +75-year tradition, bringing extra joy to millions of children across America.

The First Lady framed the courage and resilience of military children, telling them, “You are the heart of today’s celebration.” She delivered remarks to hundreds of children inside a decorated and historic hangar, helped distribute toys, visited activity stations, and spent time with families whose loved ones serve both at home and abroad.

Mrs. Trump concluded by wishing all military families a Merry Christmas and expressing the Nation’s gratitude for the strength, generosity, and patriotism they share with their communities.

First Lady Melania Trump’s full remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Thank you, General Anderson.  It’s wonderful to join everyone here at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

You might be wondering why Santa asked me to bring him here today.  Well—this wonderful adventure is filled with Christmas sparkle and lots of love.

Santa’s reindeer—Rudolph, Dasher, Comet—all of them—they are resting in the North Pole.  They need to save all of their energy for their great flight around the world on Christmas Eve.  Santa told me they’re snuggled beneath warm, fluffy blankets, sipping candy-cane cocoa feeling the joy and love that will soon be shared with amazing children everywhere.

So, with his sleigh parked safely with his reindeer, Santa climbed aboard my Osprey and couldn’t stop smiling. I watched him gazing out of the window, grinning at all the wonderful American families below. Santa told me that the Osprey floated through the sky like a giant snowflake—but it is WAY faster than his sleigh could ever fly.

Today, we are here for one of the most beloved traditions of the holiday season: Toys for Tots, led by the United States Marine Corps Reserves. For more than 75 years, Marines and volunteers across America collect and deliver new toys to children who need a little extra joy during Christmas. All wrapped with love, and great care.

To everyone here at Quantico, and all those who support the Toys for Tots Foundation, thank you. This includes the Toy Association’s generous support. I am grateful for your partnership and dedication to promoting fun and creativity. You help bring the delight of Christmas morning to millions of children, and you remind us that: of all American traditions, kindness and love remain among our most powerful.

To the families of military personnel: you are the heart of today’s celebration. Your strength in the face of adversity is inspirational. Some of the children here today have a parent stationed away from home right now. I know this can be difficult. On behalf of our Nation, thank you.

And thank you to the parents and guardians who are here today. Your support and resilience empower our Marines to serve with honor and distinction. Whether near or far, you illuminate every occasion, enriching everyone’s life.

This Christmas season, you, your friends, and your families should wish for the ultimate gift—love. After all, love travels further than Santa’s sleigh and America’s Ospreys.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!