US President Barack Obama’s Thanksgiving address urged the nation to move forward as one while remembering people in need of help, while he refrained from the US Thanksgiving tradition of having turket, by sparing two turkeys on his Thanksgiving table, on the occasion which is first celebrated by pilgrims who fled religious persecution in England.

In this political discourse to the nation, President Obama relived the wreckage caused by Hurricane Sandy that left many homeless, while saying, “As Americans, we are a bold, generous, big-hearted people. When our brothers and sisters are in need, we roll up our sleeves and get to work — not for the recognition or the reward, but because it’s the right thing to do.”

In his weekly message, which was scheduled 48 hours ahead on account of the holiday season, Obama also sought a semblance of political unity after an acrimonious election campaign that saw him win a second term.

“Thanksgiving is a chance to put it all in perspective - to remember that, despite our differences, we are and always will be Americans first and foremost”, said Obama, who triumphed over Republican rival Mitt Romney on Nov 6.

Obama’s Thanksgiving speech also entailed recognition of the US army personnel’s contributions from around the world. He wished them by saying, “To all our service members it is my honor to be your Commander-in-Chief. And from our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving.”

On the lighter side, President Obama refused to devour turkey, which is a tradition that is observed every year across the US and Canada. Obama was joined by his two daughters, Sasha and Malia, at the ceremony, which saw a round of laughter from everyone when Malia refused to stroke the turkey.

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