    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [November 26, 2008]
    [Pages 1397-1398]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

     The President's Radio Address
     November 26, 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.

    [[Page 1398]]

         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 8 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.

      Note:  The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on November 26 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November
    29. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on November 26. The Office of the Press Secretary also
    released a Spanish language transcript of this address.