George
W. Bush
Forty-Third President (2001 to 2009)
Thanksgiving
Address
White House
November 27, 2008
Good morning. This week, Americans gather with
loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving. This holiday season is a time
of fellowship and peace. And it is a time to give thanks for our
many blessings. During this holiday season, we give thanks for
generations of Americans who overcame hardships to create and
sustain a free Nation.
When the Pilgrims celebrated their first
Thanksgiving nearly four centuries ago, they had already suffered
through a harsh and bitter winter. But they were willing to endure
that adversity to live in a land where they could worship the
Almighty without persecution. When President Abraham Lincoln
proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, the United
States was in the midst of a terrible civil war. But in that hour of
trial he gave thanks -- because he believed America would weather
the storm and emerge into a new era of liberty.
During this holiday season, we give thanks for those who defend our
freedom. America's men and women in uniform deserve our highest
respect -- and so do the families who love and support them. Lately,
I have been asked what I will miss about the presidency. And my
answer is that I will miss being the Commander-in-Chief of these
brave warriors. In this special time of year, when many of them are
serving in distant lands, they are in the thoughts and prayers of
all Americans.
During this holiday season, we give thanks for the kindness of
citizens throughout our Nation. It is a testament to the goodness of
our people that on Thanksgiving, millions of Americans reach out to
those who have little. The true spirit of the holidays can be seen
in the generous volunteers who bring comfort to the poor and the
sick and the elderly. These men and women are selfless members of
our Nation's armies of compassion -- and they make our country a
better place, one heart and one soul at a time.
Finally, I have a special note of thanks to the American people. On
this, my last Thanksgiving as your President, I am thankful for the
good will, kind words, and heartfelt prayers that so many of you
have offered me during the past eight years. I have been blessed to
represent such decent, brave, and caring people. For that, I will
always be grateful, and I will always be honored. Thank you for
listening.
