Hi,everybody.In 1620,a small band of pilgrims cameto this continent,refugees who had fled persecutionand violence in their native land.Nearly 400 yearslater,we remember their part in the American story-and we honor the men and women who helped themin their time of need.
Thanksgiving is a day for food and football,and forhoping the turkey didn't turn out too dry.But it's also a day to count our blessings and giveback to others-a reminder that no matter our circumstances,all of us have something to be grateful for.Maybe it's good health,a new addition to the family,or a child taking a next steptoward college or a career.Maybe it's a new job,or long over due raise.Maybe it's something assimple,and as important,as the chance to spend time with the people who matter most.
感恩节是分享美食、观赏球赛的日子,大家都希望火鸡不要烤的太干。这也是我们将祝福和帮助送给他人的日子,无论我们生活在什么环境中,我们都有一些需要感恩的东西。也许是有个好身体、家里有了新居、或者是孩子们在学业或职业上取得了新进展。也许是有了新工作、期待已久的升职。也许是很简单、很重要,与最关心的人一起共度时光的机会。 Of course,every American can be thankful for the chance to live in a country founded on thebelief that all of us are created equal.And as President,I'm thankful that I get to see the best ofAmerica every day-the courage of our troops and veterans,the resilience of our families,andthe basic goodness of the ordinary people who call this country.
On this uniquely American holiday,we also remember that so much of our greatness comes fromour generosity .There's the generosity of Americans who volunteer at food banks andshelters,making sure that no one goes hungry on a day when so many plates are full.There'sthe generosity of Americans who take part not just in Black Friday and Cyber Monday,butGiving Tuesday-recognizing that in the holiday season,what you give is as important as whatyou get.
And I've been touched by the generosity of the Americans who've written me letters andemails in recent weeks,offering to open their homes to refugees fleeing the brutality of ISIL.
Now,people should remember that no refugee can enter our borders until they undergo thehighest security checks of anyone traveling to the United States.That was the case beforeParis,and it's the case now.And what happened in Paris hasn't stopped Americans from openingtheir arms anyway.
One woman from Pennsylvania wrote me to say,"Money is tight for us in my household ...But I
have a guest room.I have a pantry full of food.We can do this." Another woman from Floridatold me her family's history dates back to the Mayflower-and she said that welcoming others ispart of "what it means to be an American." 一位来自宾夕法尼亚州的女士写信给我,她说:“我持家过日子,钱很紧张…但我腾出了一间客房。我家的食品还算充足。我们可以做到。”另一位来自佛罗里达州的女士告诉我说她家祖上是随五月花号过来的,她说欢迎其他人正是“美国传统”的一部分。
Nearly four centuries after the Mayflower set sail,the world is still full of pilgrims-men and womenwho want nothing more than the chance for a safer,better future for themselves and theirfamilies.What makes America America is that we offer that chance.We turn Lady Liberty's lightto the world,and widen our c ircle of concern to say that all God's children are worthy of ourcompassion and care.That's part of what makes this the greatest country on Earth.
I hope that you and your family have wonderful Thanksgiving,surrounded by loved ones,and fullof joy and gratitude .And together,may we all play our own
small part in the American story,andwrite a next chapter that future generations can be thankful for.