After about an hour inside the Coast Guard station, Bidens walked out to greet about 20 soldiers in uniform, greeted the president with a thank you note, handed out challenge coins, and posed for a group photo.
“I’m not kidding when I say I’m grateful for these people, grateful for them, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart,” Biden said.
“I’ve been all over the world. I’ve seen these people. I’ve seen them in the South China Sea. I’ve seen them in Afghanistan and Iraq, seen them in South America. Wherever they are, people wonder America.” What is it, they look and see… and that makes me proud.”
Bidens participated in a video call with US troops stationed overseas during his visit.
On her arrival, The Bidens, a White House aide, said, “Virtually will meet with service members from around the world to thank them for their service and wish them thanks. Service members meeting the President and the First Lady will meet six The branches represent the military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard).”
The Biden family, which includes the president’s children and grandchildren and significant others, is vacationing on Nantucket Island, off the coast of Massachusetts, a family Thanksgiving tradition for 46 years. They are living in the waterfront home of billionaire and philanthropist David Rubenstein.
On the menu: Thyme-Roasted Turkey; Grandma Jacobs’ Savory Stuffing; Classic Turkey Gravy; Roasted Kitchen Garden Vegetables Fall; sweet potatoes, kale and button mushrooms; cranberry flavor; Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Coconut Cream Pie; and chocolate chip ice cream.
Over the years, the family has been seen at local holiday events, including Turkey Trots, the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and participating in Cold Turkey Plunge.
On Friday, the first lady said, they’re going to the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting on Main Street.
“We’re all going together,” she said. “We’ll see you tomorrow by the light of the tree.”
Earlier on Thursday, Bidens released a pre-recorded thank you message expressing gratitude to the American people this year.
“This year, the blessings of Thanksgiving are especially meaningful,” the president said.
“After parting ways last year, we’ve got a newfound appreciation for those little moments that we can’t plan or repeat,” the first lady said.
Biden also expressed his gratitude to the soldiers and lauded the loss during the pandemic.
“As we gather again, our tables and our hearts are filled with grace and gratitude to all those we love. And as Commander-in-Chief I extend my special condolences to our soldiers and their families.” Grateful, for their sacrifice for our country,” he said. , adding, “We also hold in our hearts those we have lost, and those who have lost so much. And those who have lost their kitchen tables or their food this year because of this virus or any other cruel twist. There is an empty seat at the room table. Fate or accident. We pray for them.”
“America is back. There is nothing we are unable to overcome,” the two told NBC host Al Roker at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNN’s Eli Malloy contributed to this report.
,