ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION
U.S. President Barack Obama wished Americans a Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday (November 24) even as he acknowledged that economic concerns have made the holiday "more difficult than most."
He also took a moment to give thanks to U.S. troops serving overseas.
"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," he said.
Obama, who has spent the last several weeks criticizing the Congress and Republicans for not embracing his jobs proposals, alluded to Washington political 'gridlock'.
"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," he said.
On Wednesday (November 23), Obama pardoned two turkeys named "Peace" and "Liberty," sparing them from their fate as Thanksgiving dinner.
Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, and turkey is the centerpiece of the traditional holiday meal.
