ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION<br/> U.S. President Barack Obama wished Americans a Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday (November 24) even as he acknowledged that economic concerns have made the holiday "more difficult than most."<br/> He also took a moment to give thanks to U.S. troops serving overseas.<br/> "We're especially grateful for the men and women who defend our country overseas. To all the service members eating Thanksgiving dinner far from your families: the American people are thinking of you today. And when you come home, we intend to make sure that we serve you as well as you're serving America," he said.<br/> Obama, who has spent the last several weeks criticizing the Congress and Republicans for not embracing his jobs proposals, alluded to Washington political 'gridlock'.<br/> "With all the partisanship and gridlock here in Washington, it's easy to wonder if such unity is really possible. But think about what's happening at this very moment:<br/> Americans from all walks of life are coming together as one people, grateful for the blessings of family, community, and country," he said.<br/> On Wednesday (November 23), Obama pardoned two turkeys named "Peace" and "Liberty," sparing them from their fate as Thanksgiving dinner.<br/> Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, and turkey is the centerpiece of the traditional holiday meal.
