President Donald Trump is sending a Thanksgiving message to Americans.
“I encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings,” Trump said in a Thanksgiving proclamation.
The president recognized “first responders, medical professionals, essential workers, neighbors, and countless other patriots” for serving and sacrificing “for their fellow Americans.”
Trump added, “Despite unprecedented challenges, we have not faltered in the face of adversity.”
He argued the nation has made “significant breakthroughs” by rebuilding resources, revitalizing manufacturing capabilities, and developing therapeutics and vaccines.
Trump also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Americans in the armed forces, law enforcement, and first responders.
“We are deeply grateful for all those who remain on watch over the holidays and keep us safe as we celebrate and give thanks for the blessings in our lives,” Trump said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving, as IJR previously reported.
Despite warnings from the CDC, many Americans still chose to travel.
According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, close to 6 million Americans flew from Friday to Wednesday, as IJR previously reported.
Instead of traveling to his Florida Mar-a-Largo resort for Thanksgiving, Trump was scheduled to celebrate at the White House.
President-elect Joe Biden encouraged Americans to “recommit” to combating the coronavirus ahead of the holiday.
“I know how hard it is to forgo family traditions, but it’s so very important,” Biden said Wednesday.
He recognized the “first national day of Thanksgiving” in 1777 was met with challenges.
“It was celebrated by General George Washington and his troops at Gulph Mills on the way to Valley Forge. It took place under extremely harsh conditions and deprivations — lacking food, clothing, shelter. They were preparing to ride out a long hard winter,” Biden said.
He continued, “Looking back over our history, you’ll see that it’s been in the most difficult of circumstances that the soul of our nation has been forged. Now, we find ourselves again facing a long, hard winter.”
More than 12,917,200 Americans have been infected with the coronavirus and at least 262,800 have died since the onset of the outbreak.