President Obama's New Year's Message

Washington, DC - President Obama wished Americans a Happy New Year with "brighter days ahead of us."

The President said that although 2009 was a difficult year for many Americans, the country rose up and met its challenges. He spoke of the spirit of determination that has kept the "American dream" alive for generations.

President Obama:
"Hello everybody. Tonight, as Americans across the country gather with family and friends, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. This is always a hopeful time, as we celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. And while 2009 was difficult for so many Americans, we must also look back on this year with the knowledge that brighter days are ahead of us - that although our challenges are great, each of us has the courage and determination to rise up and meet them. It is that spirit that has kept the american dream
Alive for generations, and it is that spirit that will keep it alive for generatIons to come. Happy New Year, everybody."

The White House released the message while President Obama and his family vacationed in Hawaii, the state where the president lived as a child.