Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
From my family to yours, I’d like to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Like millions of
Americans, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I will spend the day eating great food, watching
a little football, and reflecting on how truly lucky we truly are.
As Americans, each of us has our own list of things and people to be thankful for.
But there are some blessings we all share. We’re especially grateful for the men and
women who defend our country overseas. To all the service members eating Thanksgiving
dinner far from your families: the American people are thinking of you today. And when
you come home, we intend to make sure that we serve you as well as you’re serving America.
We’re also grateful for the Americans who are taking time out of their holiday to serve
in soup kitchens and shelters, making sure their neighbors have a hot meal and a place
to stay. This sense of mutual responsibility – the idea that I am my brother’s keeper;
that I am my sister’s keeper – has always been a part of what makes our country special.
And it’s one of the reasons the Thanksgiving tradition has endured.
The very first Thanksgiving was a celebration of community during a time of great hardship,
and we have followed that example ever since. Even when the fate of our union was far from
certain – during a Civil War, two World Wars, a Great Depression – Americans drew
strength from each other. They had faith that tomorrow would be better than today.
We’re grateful that they did. As we gather around the table, we pause to remember the
pilgrims, pioneers, and patriots who helped make this country what it is. They faced impossible
odds, and yet somehow, they persevered. Today, it’s our turn.
I know that for many of you, this Thanksgiving is more difficult than most. But no matter
how tough things are right now, we still give thanks for that most American of blessings,
the chance to determine our own destiny. The problems we face didn’t develop overnight,
and we won’t solve them overnight. But we will solve them. All it takes is for each
of us to do our part. With all the partisanship and gridlock here
in Washington, it’s easy to wonder if such unity is really possible. But think about
what’s happening at this very moment: Americans from all walks of life are coming together
as one people, grateful for the blessings of family, community, and country.
If we keep that spirit alive, if we support each other, and look out for each other, and
remember that we’re all in this together, then I know that we too will overcome the
challenges of our time. So today, I’m thankful to serve as your
President and Commander-and-Chief. I’m thankful that my daughters get to grow up in this great
country of ours. And I’m thankful for the chance to do my part, as together, we make
tomorrow better than today. Thanks, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.