President-elect Barack Obama

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is encouraging Americans to come together to help renew the U.S. economy and "make a new beginning" for the country.

During his weekly radio address released early Thursday for Thanksgiving, Mr. Obama reminded U.S. citizens that this year's holiday comes at a difficult time.

He said that his newly announced economic team is working hard to confront an economic crisis of historic proportions.

But the president-elect said policies alone will not revive the U.S. economy.  He said it also will take "the hard work, innovation, service and strength of the American people."

Mr. Obama thanked members of the armed forces and their families for their service and sacrifice.

The president-elect is spending the holiday in Chicago, Illinois, with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters.