Joe and Jill Biden Call Service Members on Thanksgiving amid Focus on Military Families This Season

The first couple has kicked off its 2023 holiday celebrations with a series of events honoring military-connected families

President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden are 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 president tweeted on 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. Biden receiving the official White House Christmas tree alongside military-connected families earlier this week.

Related: Jill Biden Receives the 'Magnificent' White House Christmas Tree Alongside Military Families

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.

Related: First Lady Jill Biden Unveils New White House Art Display Featuring the Works of Military Children (Exclusive)

Dr. Biden launched the Joining Forces initiative — a White House initiative that supports military and veterans’ spouses, caregivers, and survivors — with Michelle Obama while 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."

Related: Joe Biden Jokes About Turning 81 with Fiery Cake: ‘You Run Out of Space for Candles!'

The day after the Friendsgiving meal, President Biden continued a long-held tradition by pardoning a pair of lucky birds during the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation. Turkeys Liberty and Bell headed to the White House to receive their official Thanksgiving pardons from Biden, who called it a "wonderful" tradition.

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 musical Frozen.

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