Folks, Thanksgiving is a special time to reflect on what the year has brought, what lies ahead, and a time to be grateful that from darkness there is light, hope, and progress.
That's what this year's Thanksgiving represents.
So many of us will be gathering with our loved ones for the first time in a long time with tables and hearts full of gratitude for everyone who made it possible.
Scientists, researchers, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who developed and administered the vaccines and other frontline workers who kept essential services and our economy going.
Faith leaders and community leaders who counsel and comfort. Farmers, farm workers, and meat packers who risked their lives to grow, process, and pack the food on our tables.
And I am especially grateful to our service members and military families for their service and sacrifice.
As we give thanks for what we have, we also keep in our hearts those who have lost so much. Those who will have an empty seat at their table this year because of this virus or another cruel twist of fate or accident. Their grief is deep and their tears still fresh. We pray for them to find strength from sorrow and purpose from pain.
There's not a day that's gone by during the first year of our presidency that I haven't been grateful for the trust you placed in me and Jill and Kamala and Doug.
Because of you, we've made historic progress to beat this pandemic.
Because of you, we're building our economy back better than ever.
And because of you, we're reminded that we are a great nation because we are a good people.
For that and so much more, I am forever grateful for the trust you have placed in me.
From my family to yours, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Joe
Joseph R. Biden Jr.
President of the United States
