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President Barack Obama’s Thanksgiving consisted of both giving back and giving us a well-needed history lesson on the nation’s oldest holiday.

In his weekly address, Obama shared a message of love and compassion, but also gave the American people a subtle reminder about the history of Thanksgiving. The President acknowledged pilgrims arrived in America looking for a safe haven, much like the Syrian refugees of today. Since the Paris attacks, critics have slammed the president for his decision to allow 10,000 Syrian refugees into the U.S., although a Syrian refugee hasn’t been named a suspect in the killings.

“In 1620, a small band of pilgrims came to this continent, refugees who had fled persecution and violence in their native land,” Obama said. “Nearly 400 years later, we remember their part in the American story — and we honor the men and women who helped them in their time of need.”

“Now, people should remember that no refugee can enter our borders until they undergo the highest security checks of anyone traveling to the United States. That was the case before Paris, and it’s the case now,” Obama said.

His message didn’t stop there. With a little help from his family, Obama gave back to homeless veterans and their own families the night before Thanksgiving.

President Obama Serves Thanksgiving Meals To Homeless Veterans

He also spent time thanking the military with personal calls.

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As for his Thanksgiving feast, the Obama family enjoyed Turkey Day with classic dishes like macaroni and cheese, sweet potato gratin, and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, two kinds of stuffing (cornbread with chorizo and roasted peppers oyster), and greens like collards, kale, and turnips — in addition to Caesar salad.

Desserts included banana cream, coconut cream, pumpkin, apple, pecan, and cherry pies.

Unfortunately, the White House was placed on lockdown during the feast after intruder Joseph Caputo jumped the presidential mansion’s fence. Caputo previously took photos in front of the White House on Monday and posted on social media about his belief in nixing the Constitution and starting a “revolution.”

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CNN reports Caputo was detained around 2:45 p.m., but the White House remained on lockdown for two hours. An intern witnessed the jumper’s plan unfold right in front of her.

Via CNN:

Vanessa Pena, an intern on Capitol Hill, was playing tourist with her twin sister who was in town for Thanksgiving. “We were just standing there and the man came up behind us,” she told CNN. “I heard him take a deep breath and say, ‘All right, let’s do this.’”

Pena said the man “ran through” she and her sister before he jumped over a barricade, and then the fence.

Caputo’s charges are currently pending.

SOURCE: CNN | VIDEO CREDIT: YouTube 

SEE ALSO: 

All Grown Up! Obama Girls Shine At Turkey Pardon, Endure All The “Dad” Jokes

POP OFF! 15 Of President Obama’s Realest Moments

Well Played: President Obama Reminds America Pilgrims Were Refugees On Thanksgiving  was originally published on newsone.com