Stars perform, Biden offers a Thanksgiving message at Macy's parade in NYC

Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Singer-songwriter Jon Batiste opened the 97th Macy's Day Parade in New York Thursday with a rousing performance of his song "Worship" and the declaration that the holiday should be a "day of unity, healing and celebration."

Today anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker hosted the event, with special assists from Broadway icons Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad, and Tonight Show star Jimmy Fallon.

Thursday morning was crisp and clear, with temperatures in the 40s.

The parade also featured early appearances by the Harlem Globetrotters and a performance from the casts of the Broadway musicals, & Juliet, Shucked and Spamalot.

U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden called in to the event to deliver a holiday message, saying: "We have to remind ourselves how blessed we are to live it the greatest nation on the face of the Earth. That's real.

"We've made extraordinary progress and nothing is beyond our capacity," the commander-in-chief added. "Today is about coming together, giving thanks for this country we call home, and thanks to all the firefighters, police officers and first responders and our troops, some of whom are stationed abroad. I've never been more optimistic, Al."

Jill Biden added: "I think it's important that we all commit an act of kindness today. So, call someone and wish them a 'Happy Thanksgiving' or do something kind."

Joe Biden also noted we have to "stop the rancor," despite differing political views.

"We have to bring the nation together," he said. "We have to treat each other with a little bit of decency."

Cher, Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Jessie James Decker, Ashley Park and Sesame Street, the Muppets, Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Amanda Shaw and Alex Smith, Manuel Turizo and K-pop group Enhypen also sang during the festivities,which ended when Santa Claus rode into town on his sled.

Among the new balloons that made their way through Manhattan are Beagle Scout Snoopy, Po from Kung Fu Panda, Leo from Leo, Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece and the Pillsbury Doughboy.

The event aired on NBC and streaming on Peacock.