• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

'We have to come together': Biden calls into Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

1:47
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade kicks off in NYC
Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters
ByJustin Gomez and Sarah Beth Hensley
November 23, 2023, 7:46 PM

President Joe Biden and the first lady Jill Biden shared a Thanksgiving message of togetherness on Thursday when they called into the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"We have to remind ourselves how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on the face of the earth," the president said. "Today is about coming together, giving thanks for this country we call home. And thanks to all the firefighters, police officers, first responders and our troops, some of whom are stationed abroad."

Jill Biden said it was "important that we all commit to an act of kindness today" and asked Americans to "call someone and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving or do something kind."

Related Articles

MORE: Balloons, bands, celebrities and Santa: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off

Beagle scout Snoopy balloon flies, as Tom Turkey float rides during the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan, New York City, Nov. 23, 2023.
Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

With a deep political divide across the country, Biden said on this holiday "we have to come together" and "bring the nation together."

"We can have different political views, but … we have one view -- the one view is we're the finest, greatest nation in the world. We should focus on that … We have to bring the nation together and we have to treat each other with a little bit of decency and so -- and I think that's who the vast majority of the American people are."

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden react onstage as they attend a screening of "Wonka" at Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk, Nov. 19, 2023.
Julia Nikhinson/Reuters

Related Articles

MORE: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Through the Years

The Bidens -- who are spending the holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts -- called members of the military to thank them for their service Thursday morning. They called units from each branch of the military stationed around the world, according to the White House.

The Bidens also spent some time Thursday at a Nantucket fire department, where they delivered several pumpkin pies to the fire crew on duty.

The family appeared to have gone for a brief swim, too. Biden's granddaughter, Naomi Biden posted a photo on X of the a towel-clad Biden family following their "annual polar bear plunge" on Thanksgiving.

Nantucket held a community “Turkey Plunge” Thursday morning, but the first family kept their plunge a private event. Water temperature was roughly 50 degrees.

Up Next in News—

What to know about Taylor Farms amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

July 17, 2026

Authorities 'monitoring' wildfires' impact on 2026 World Cup final, sources say

July 17, 2026

Tips for buying the right AC unit amid a record heat wave sweeping the US

July 16, 2026

How to protect yourself from poor air quality as wildfires burn in Canada

July 15, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News