United States President Joe Biden, who is spending the holiday weekend in Massachusetts’ Nantucket along with his family, wished Americans closer-to-normal Thanksgiving. 

In a message recorded with First Lady and wife Jill Biden at the White House, Biden said, “As we give thanks for what we have, we also keep in our hearts those who have been lost and those who have lost so much”, according to reports from Associated Press.

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From Nantucket, the Bidens also called in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, briefly bantering Al Roker, an NBC broadcaster.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which was called off last year due to a surge in COVID cases, saw nearly 8,000 participants joining as spectators gathered to witness the celebrations. According to reports from Associated Press, those who were participating in the parade — employee or volunteer– had to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and were also directed to wear face masks.

In Massachusetts, well-wishers waved and cheered as the Bidens traveled by motorcade to the Coast Guard station at Brant Point to meet virtually with American service members from around the world and thank them for their service.

Meanwhile, United States Vice President Kamala Harris— along with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff– released a similar message on her social media handles to wish Americans on the day when there is “so much to be thankful for.”

United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement Thanksgiving statement, “As I told troops stationed out in the Middle East this week, you are the reason the United States still enjoys its vast array of allies and partners. You are the reason we still field the most powerful military in human history. You and your families represent our shared sense of purpose, our dedication to democracy, and our uniquely American optimism for the future.”