"Together we give thanks for the loved ones who grace our lives and for the heroes who protect our nation." pic.twitter.com/pP0Snuzs9d
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 23, 2017
President Trump on Thursday delivered a Thanksgiving video address to Americans in which he praised the military, first responders and citizen volunteers, and touted the state of the country’s economy.
“Our country is doing very well. Our stock market has hit a new all-time high. Unemployment has hit a 17 year low. We’ve created $5.5 trillion worth of values. We are doing something very special – people are feeling it,” Trump said toward the end of his address.
“The enthusiasm in this country has never been higher. We’re very, very happy on this Thanksgiving Day,” he added.
Trump’s roughly four-minute video address followed a tweet earlier Thursday in which he touted his administration’s accomplishments and vowed to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.
During the video, Trump recounted the tale of the pilgrims traveling to North America on the Mayflower, saying they had few resources, but were “rich in faith, courage and dreams.” {mosads}
He also recalled the first Thanksgiving in which pilgrims and Native Americans joined together “to rejoice and praise God.”
“Today we give thanks for all of the pilgrims, pioneers and patriots who have gone before us, and for all those warriors who have kept us safe and free,” Trump said. “This week, we know that thousands of men and women in uniform won’t be able to come home for Thanksgiving. We’re eternally grateful for their courage, heroism and sacrifice.”
He also praised Americans who volunteer and give a helping hand to the sick, hungry and others who are in need of assistance. He specifically mentioned those who assisted in the face of natural disasters and mass shootings.
“This year, in the face of painful hardships, we have seen the incredible strength of the American spirit,” Trump said.
Trump is spending Thanksgiving with his family at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.