Joe and Jill Biden Call Service Members for Thanksgiving.Photo:Joe Biden/Twitter

Joe and Jill Biden Call Service Members for Thanksgiving

Joe Biden/Twitter

PresidentJoe Bidenand Dr.Jill Bidenare ringing in the holiday season with a focus on military families.

On Thanksgiving, the two — who traveled to Massachusetts for the holiday — took time to call members of all six branches of the military, to thank them for their service.

“This Thanksgiving, Jill and I spoke with members of our Armed Forces to offer our sincere gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day to protect our freedom,” the presidenttweetedon Thursday. “They’re the best of us. "

The Bidens spent Thanksgiving 2022 in similar fashion, calling units from each branch of the American military, stationed around the world. They spoke to service members stationed at sea, in Europe and in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The first couple have focused on military families in other ways throughout the holiday season, with Dr. Bidenreceiving the official White House Christmas treealongside military-connected families earlier this week.

First lady Jill Biden welcomes the official 2023 White House Christmas tree with military-connected families and their children on Nov. 20.Anna Moneymaker/Getty

First lady Jill Biden arrives to welcome the official 2023 White House Christmas Tree at the White House on November 20, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty

On Sunday, the couple enjoyed a “Friendsgiving” dinner with military families at a helicopter hangar in Norfolk, Virginia.

“You and your families sacrifice so much in times of war and peace. And it’s our duty and honor to make sure that you feel supported,” the first lady said in remarks delivered ahead of the meal.

The first couple host a “Friendsgiving” event with service members and military families on Nov. 19.Alex Wong/Getty

President Joe Biden speaks as first lady Jill Biden and Navy wife Sibrena Sears (L) listen during a Friendsgiving event for service members and military families from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the USS Gerald R. Ford at the Norfolk Naval Station on November 19, 2023 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Alex Wong/Getty

Dr. Biden launched the Joining Forces initiative — a White House initiative that supports military and veterans’ spouses, caregivers, and survivors — withMichelle Obamawhile the two were in office during the Obama-Biden administration, work that continues today.

“We hope you can wrap yourselves in the love and community that surrounds you,” Dr. Biden told the Friendsgiving participants. “Because family is more than parents and partners. It’s the people in this room, the bonds we forge, and the families we create together.”

President Joe Biden serves service members and military families during a “Friendsgiving” dinner on Nov. 19.Alex Wong/Getty

President Joe Biden alongside Chef Robert Irvine serves service members and military families from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the USS Gerald R. Ford during a Friendsgiving dinner event at the Norfolk Naval Station on November 19, 2023 in Norfolk, Virginia.

On Monday, Dr. Biden will reveal the 2023 White House holiday theme with a day of activities involving National Guard families, including a live performance of Disney’s stage musicalFrozen.

source: people.com