Thanksgiving is a time generally spent with family, but many people have friends who feel like family. Hence, the explosion of Friendsgiving in recent years. This is an event generally celebrated among friends "either on or near Thanksgiving," according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, which added the word as an official entry in January 2020 but people may have been using that name for these friendly gatherings even as early as 2007. Somewhat spurred on by celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston who has hosted a star-studded event with a guest list including Jimmy Kimmel, Courtney Cox, Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and more, Friendsgiving is here to stay, and another famous person, President Joe Biden, is on board in a very patriotic way. He and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden join forces with renowned Chef Robert Irvine to serve up pounds of turkey and mounds of mashed potatoes, to about 400 Marines, Sailors and families inside an aircraft hangar that was transformed into an upscaled dining venue at the Marine Air Station at Cherry Point located in Havelock, This air base occupies more than 29,000 acres. Its runway system is so large that the air station served as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle launches out of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Today, the air station is home to the F-35B, the world’s most modern and insane stealth fighter jet.
The President and First Lady arrived at the air station on Air Force One at approximately 6:30 p.m. for what is seemingly becoming an annual Carolina tradition. Last year, President Biden observed Friendsgiving at Fort Bragg, another military base in North Carolina. After greeting the room, President Biden spent a few minutes dishing out food in a buffet line before casually mingling around the individual tables. This is also the second time this White House initiative called ‘Joining Forces’ has teamed up with the Robert J. Irvine Foundation to honor and support military families. And, because celebrity chef Robert J. Irvine showed up, this was no ordinary feast. Although Irvine is an Englishman, he has a special connection with the food service Marines who helped him prepare the Friendsgiving meal, as he served in the Royal Navy as a chief petty officer cook. The menu this year featured a seasonal salad of autumn greens, candied walnuts, shaved granny smith apples, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese topped with a balsamic vinaigrette. The main course consisted of slow roasted, bourbon-brined turkey, complete with giblet gravy and cranberry-orange compote. Sharing the groaning table was maple-mustard glazed spiral cut smoked ham served with dried apricot. On the side, Irvine prepared roasted garlic and creme fraiche mashed potatoes, brioche-cornbread stuffing with sage sausage, sweet potato casserole, roasted brussels sprouts, and butternut squash served with sauteed mushrooms and caramelized onions. If, as they say, food is a huge morale boosting part of the military, this feast surely boosted everyone’s morale.
During a speech to the troops Monday, President Biden drew on his first-hand experiences to thank them for their service and acknowledged their sacrifices. The President wanted “to thank the spouses as well, because they put up with an awful lot because of your service.” The President also acknowledged the many family celebrations “when there’s been an empty chair back home, with your loved ones looking at that chair, wondering are you all right, especially if you’re deployed.” Chef Robert J. Irvine echoed the President with his remarks, saying that the mission of the Robert J. Irvine Foundation is to support veterans, and to let civilians know that military sacrifices are not limited to risking life and limb. The promise of freedom we enjoy in this country is unrivaled, Chef Irvine said, and we better not take that promise lightly.
A military spouse, Jennifer Gonzalez, wife of Anthony, a gunnery sergeant, and mother of four, spoke of the sacrifices and challenges that are unique to military family members. “We go through a lot of trials and challenges that shape us into who we are.” said Gonzalez. It is through the challenges we face that we grow and adapt and enable us to overcome any obstacle.” Wrapping up the festivities, Commanding officer Brendan Burks said that “Cherry Point is honored to host Friendsgiving,” and we, our marines, Sailors, and families are excited to be in the company of our commander in chief and first lady." Also in attendance was North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.To learn more about what is happening in and around Carteret County, the Crystal Coast and the Outer Banks, please go to my website, www.EmeraldIsleHomesforSaleNC.com and sign up for my blog. Ready to buy or sell? Call me at 919-308-2292. Explore the video tab for my weekly uploads to my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and receive free donuts at my Flip Flops Donut shop. Text your email address to 919-308-2292 and subscribe to my newsletter. My book, "Live Where You Vacation" is available on Amazon.com or at Kindle.
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