Newly elected US President Joe Biden addressed the Americans before Thanksgiving, calling for the unity of the nation in the fight against the coronavirus, but beyond that, expressing the hope that the "dismal season of division" will be replaced by an era of unity, Voice of America (VOA) reports.
"I know our country is tired of fighting. We have to keep in mind that we are at war with the virus, not with each other. Not with each other. This is the moment when we have to stand firm, redouble our efforts and rededicate ourselves... we're all in this together," Biden said.
Urging citizens to spend the holiday in the closest circle of family or friends, without travel and large gatherings, he said that he and his wife Jill will celebrate Thanksgiving with only their daughter and son-in-law.
"I believe you deserve to hear the truth from your president. We have to stop the spread of the virus. We owe it to the doctors and nurses and workers on the front lines. We owe it to our fellow citizens," Biden said.
Thanksgiving is a holiday when millions of Americans usually gather with family and many travel by plane to do so. This year, in view of the Kovid-19 infections, the federal government urged people to stay at home.
"I know we can beat this virus, and we will," added Biden, who admitted that Americans are tired of the pandemic.
The president-elect also spoke about the recent election, saying Americans should also be thankful "for democracy" this year.
"Our democracy was put to the test this year. And what we found out is that the citizens of this nation were up to the task," Biden said, according to VOA.
Bonus video:
