Obama thanks military members and volunteers on Thanksgiving

President Obama wished the American people a happy Thanksgiving on Thursday, saying he was especially thankful for military service members and soup kitchen volunteers.

"We're especially grateful for the Americans 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," he said.

"We're also grateful for the Americans who are taking time out of their holiday to serve in soup kitchens and shelters making sure their neighbors have a hot meal and a place to stay."

Despite Washington's partisanship and political gridlock, Obama said Thanksgiving was a time when all Americans were united.

"But think about what's happening at this very moment," he said. "Americans from all walks of life are coming together as one people, grateful for the blessings of family, community and country."

Watch video, courtesy of the White House, below: