    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [November 26, 2005]
    [Pages 1764-1765]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    November 26, 2005

        Good morning. This week we gather with our loved ones to give thanks
    for the many blessings in our lives. Each family has its own traditions,
    yet we are united as a nation in setting aside a day of gratitude. We
    are thankful for our family and friends who fill our lives with joy and
    love. We are thankful for the abundance of this prosperous land. We are
    thankful for the freedom that makes possible the enjoyment of all these
    gifts. And we acknowledge with humility that all these blessings and
    life itself come from Almighty God.
        On Thanksgiving and throughout the year, we are grateful to the men
    and women of our Armed Forces for securing the peace in these dangerous
    times. Many members of our Armed Forces are observing this holiday in
    places far from home. They are serving with courage and skill in Iraq,
    Afghanistan, and elsewhere to defend our freedom and extend the
    blessings of freedom to others. In the past year, these brave Americans
    have continued to fight terrorists abroad so we do not have to face them
    here at home. And they have helped the people of Iraq and Afghanistan
    hold historic and successful elections. They are America's finest, and
    we thank them today and every day for their service and sacrifice.
        This week we also extend our gratitude to our military families who
    are making great sacrifices to advance freedom's cause. Many of our
    service men and women have endured long deployments and separations from
    home. Many of those they leave behind must deal with the burden of
    raising families while praying for the safe return of their loved ones.
    All Americans honor and appreciate the commitment and sacrifice of our
    military families.
        We think especially this week of those military families who are
    mourning the loss of loved ones. Every person who dies in the line of
    duty commands the eternal gratitude of the American people. The military
    families who mourn the fallen can know that America will not forget
    their sacrifice, and they can know that we will honor that sacrifice by
    completing the noble mission for which their loved ones gave their
    lives.
        The Thanksgiving holiday reminds us that, ``To whom much is given,
    from him much will be required.'' As we count our blessings, we are
    mindful of the need to

    [[Page 1765]]

    share our blessings and gifts with others, and America is moved to
    compassionate action. This compassionate spirit was seen again this
    year, when Americans rallied to help their neighbors in need after the
    destruction caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We pray for continued
    strength as we rebuild these communities and return hope to our fellow
    citizens.
        The universal call to love a neighbor also extends beyond our
    shores, moving us to help people in other lands. Our Nation has begun to
    help the millions of people in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan who are
    suffering after last month's devastating earthquake in South Asia. I
    urge you to visit the web site of the South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund
    at southasiaearthquakerelief.org to find out how you can help. And to
    help others in need in your hometown, across America, and around the
    world, please visit the USA Freedom Corps web site at
    usafreedomcorps.gov.
        This week of Thanksgiving, we ask that God continue to bless our
    families and our Nation. Laura and I wish you all
    a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 8:20 a.m. on November 23 at the Bush
    Ranch in Crawford, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November 26. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    November 25 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The
    Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.