Radio Address by the President to the Nation, 11/30/02

WhiteHouse.gov ^ | 11-30-02 | George W. Bush

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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 30, 2002

Radio Address by the President to the Nation
The Roosevelt Room

     Audio

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week all across America we gather with the people we love to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Each family has its own traditions, yet we are united as a nation in setting aside a day of gratitude. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, grateful for the loved ones who give meaning to our lives, and grateful for the many gifts of this prosperous land. On Thanksgiving we acknowledge that all of these things, and life itself, come not from the hand of man, but from Almighty God.

The blessings we have received take on special meaning in this time of challenge for our country. Over the last year millions of Americans have found renewed appreciation for our liberty and for the men and women who serve in its defense. We have held our family and our friends closer, spending more time together, and letting them know we love them.

Taking time to count our own blessings reminds us that many people struggle every day -- men, women, and children facing hunger, homelessness, illness, addiction, or despair. These are not strangers. They are fellow Americans needing comfort, love, and compassion. I ask all Americans to consider how you can give someone in need a reason to be thankful in this holiday season and throughout the year.

It's easy to get started and to have an immediate impact. Volunteering your time at a soup kitchen, teaching a child to read, visiting a patient in the hospital, or taking a meal to an elderly neighbor or a shut-in are all simple acts of compassion that can brighten someone's life. Every act of love and generosity, however small it may seem, is significant. Every time you reach out to a neighbor in need you touch a life, you improve your community, and you strengthen our nation.

Earlier this year I created the USA Freedom Corps office in the White House to harness the power of millions of acts of charity, compassion, and love to make America a better place. I hope you'll consider joining the armies of compassion, and dedicating time and energy and service to others. I'm so proud of the millions of Americans who have answered the call to service, enriching the lives of others with acts of kindness. It is a testament to the good heart and the giving spirit of the American people.

There's no better time than this season of Thanksgiving to renew our commitment to helping those in need. The USA Freedom Corp website -- USAFreedomCorp.gov -- is a wonderful place to get started. This resource offers valuable information about service opportunities in your home town, across America, an around the world. You can also get information by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

Take the time to find out how you can help your fellow Americans and make this holiday season a season of service.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for listening.

END

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For your infomation. All comments welcomed.

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Radio Address Ping!

I have put together a short Radio Address to the Nation ping list.

Please let me know via FReepmail if you would like to be added or deleted to/from the list.
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[MeekOneGOP]

[Miss Marple]

Thanks! I missed this when it aired. I appreciate you taking the time to post it!

[nicmarlo]

GW Ping to some people I am thankful for in FR, your laughter, hard work, and diligence in your communities and in FR. Thank you all.

I ask all Americans to consider how you can give someone in need a reason to be thankful in this holiday season and throughout the year.

It's easy to get started and to have an immediate impact. Volunteering your time at a soup kitchen, teaching a child to read, visiting a patient in the hospital, or taking a meal to an elderly neighbor or a shut-in are all simple acts of compassion that can brighten someone's life. Every act of love and generosity, however small it may seem, is significant.

[Salvation]

**I appreciate you taking the time to post it!**

Thank you for taking the time to say so!

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**Every act of love and generosity, however small it may seem, is significant.**

Reminds me of a story. I'll go get it and post it!

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Your Life Matters


Here is a story as shared in David McNally's book, Even Eagles Need a Push.

"Our world has been profoundly influenced by the thoughts, beliefs, and actions of all its past and present inhabitants. History is created not only by those whose names are revered and celebrated, but also by the infamous and unknown. All who have lived have carved, in some way, their own special niche.

In his book, The Star Thrower, Loren E. Eiseley talks of the day when he was walking along a sandy beach where thousands of starfish had been washed up on the shore. He noticed a boy picking up the starfish one by one and throwing them back into the ocean. Eiseley observed the boy for a few minutes and then asked what he was doing. The boy replied that he was returning the starfish to the sea otherwise they would die.

Eiseley then asked how saving a few, when so many were doomed, would make any difference whatsoever?" The boy picked up a starfish and as he threw it back said, "It's going to make a lot of difference to this one."

Eiseley left the boy and went home to continue writing, only to find he could not type a single word. He returned to the beach and spent the rest of the day helping the boy throw starfish into the sea."

McNally continues, "The most important thought that you can ever hold is: “Your life matters."

[homeschool mama]

Wonderful. Thank you for posting this. :o)

[nicmarlo]

"It's going to make a lot of difference to this one."

Eiseley left the boy and went home to continue writing, only to find he could not type a single word. He returned to the beach and spent the rest of the day helping the boy throw starfish into the sea."

Very touching. From the mouths of babes, we can all learn something important. What each one of us does, what each one of us says, how each one of us lives, truly does matter. Thank you for posting that, salvation.

[MeekOneGOP]

President Bush: Every act of love and generosity, however small it may seem, is significant.

I am thankful for having President Bush as my leader and Commander-in-Chief of our military.

President Bush at the wheel !

[nicmarlo]

I am thankful for having President Bush as my leader and Commander-in-Chief of our military.

As am I. And I know the military is not only thankful, but proud to serve under him.

[goose1]

Is that Roy Rogers behind the wheel???

[firewalk]

Thank you Nic (-:

[Dubya]

Thank you nicmarlo. And thank you for all the good work you do.

[nicmarlo]

ty, dubya.

[nicmarlo]

: )

[Bigg Red]

President Bush at the wheel!

Yes, he is, thank God!
In our Thanksgiving Day prayers, I gave thanks that GWB is our President.

[Salvation]

**Thank you for posting this.**

You're welcome!

[Salvation]

Grett pictures! Thanks!