Barack Obama (clip)

Here play this clip. For centuries in peace and in war, in prosperity and in adversity, Americans have paused at this time of year to gather with loved ones and give thanks for life's blessings. We'll spend some time taking stock of what we're thankful for.

The God-given bounty of America and the blessings of one another. I'm thankful that my daughters get to grow up in this great country of ours. And I'm thankful for the chance to do my part, as together we make tomorrow better than today. We're also grateful that this country has always been home to Americans who see these blessings not simply as gifts to enjoy, but as opportunities to give back. We give thanks for the men and women who set sail for this land nearly four centuries ago, risking everything for the chance at a better life.

and the people who are already here, our Native American brothers and sisters, for their generosity during that first Thanksgiving. This is a season not only to be thankful for the incredible blessings that we have, but also to remember the neediest and generously serve those who are not as fortunate. It's easy to focus on what separates us, but as we gather with loved ones on this Thanksgiving, let's remember and be grateful for what binds us together. I'm thankful that I get to see the best of America every day.

The courage of our troops and veterans, the resilience of our families, and the basic goodness of the ordinary people who call this country home. Thanks, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I'm not talking about blind optimism here, the almost willful ignorance that thinks unemployment will go away if we just don't think about it, or healthcare crisis will solve itself if we just ignore it.

That's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about something more substantial.

It's the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs.

The hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores.

The hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta.

The hope of a mill worker's son who dares to defy the odds.

The hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him too.

Hope in the face of difficulty.

Hope in the face of uncertainty.

The audacity of hope.

In the end, that is God's greatest gift to us.

The bedrock of this nation.

A belief in things not seen.

A belief that there are better days ahead.