Thanksgiving is a special day of togetherness and celebration for the people of our great nation. As we gather with family and friends in the days to come, let us pause to reflect upon the many blessings we have as individuals and as Americans.

From the early days of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, to the days of our nation's infancy, to the present, Thanksgiving has served as a valued tradition and a sign of shared ideals. As we look back on our past, let us be reminded of the unity, generosity, and cooperative spirit that have marked this observance and our nation since its beginnings.

This Thanksgiving, let us not forget those brave men and women who cannot be at our family tables because they are fighting to keep us safe and secure at home. May we keep them and their families in our prayers and be thankful for their many sacrifices.

Let us also not forget those Americans who are in need: homeless men and women struggling to get off the streets, seniors seeking housing they can afford, and hardworking families searching to find a home that meets their needs. These are the people that the dedicated men and women at HUD aim to help each day. Let us remember them in a special way as we gather with our own families this Thanksgiving Day.

HUD's homeownership and rental assistance programs, community development initiatives, and homeless outreach give many people in this country reason to be thankful. On this special day, above others, I am grateful and proud to be a part of the HUD family. I join President Bush in wishing you a warm and special Thanksgiving. May God bless each of you and your families on this special day.