While Thursday provided Americans with an opportunity to express gratitude, it was also a reminder of an important chapter of U.S. history. Former President Donald Trump touched on this history in a video message posted on Wednesday.
Trump delivers his Thanksgiving message, praising the pilgrims and wishing Americans a “blessed and joyful” holiday. pic.twitter.com/CDBEkYQOeZ
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 23, 2023
“Nearly 400 years ago, the pilgrims gathered with Native Americans to give thanks to their first harvest,” he said. “Just over a year before, in September of 1620, the pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower to settle a new land where they could live and worship freely.”
Trump, who is currently the prohibitive front-runner in the Republican presidential primary race, noted that the Pilgrims “came to this continent with few resources but rich in faith, courage and dreams,” which sustained them as they made the tough journey and settled in an unfamiliar land.
“Americans have always remembered the blessings of freedom and the glory of God,” Trump said, tying the first Thanksgiving to the holiday as it is currently celebrated.
“Today, we give thanks for all the pioneers, pilgrims and patriots who have gone before us, and for all those warriors who have kept us safe and free,” he said.
The former president included a specific statement of support for the military service members who would be away from their homes on Thanksgiving this year.
During a recent trip to a Texas border town, Trump helped serve meals to National Guard members, Department of Public Safety troopers and Border Patrol agents stationed in the area through the holiday.
Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was also present and expressed gratitude for the bravery of the service members.
“I am proud to be with President Trump here today to thank the thousands of Teas National Guard soldiers and DPS troopers who are stationed along the border for Operation Lone Star to respond to President Biden’s border crisis,” Abbott said. “This Thanksgiving as they are away from their families and loved ones, may we remember the sacrifices these brave men and women in uniform make every day to ensure the safety and security of all Texans and Americans.”
In a Truth Social post wishing supporters a happy holiday, Trump also seized the opportunity to lash out at “Radical Left Lunatics” including President Joe Biden and the prosecutors pursuing criminal charges against him.
