What I'm Thankful for Thanksgiving 2006

What I'm Thankful for Thanksgiving 2006

The Thanksgiving holiday has been celebrated in North America since the first colonists came here from England. The holiday is to give thanks, traditionally to God, at the close of the harvest season. Throughout the years the term "thanksgiving" has come to be used for all the blessings which we are thankful for receiving.

George Washington declared a Thanksgiving holiday in 1777 to mark the victory over the British at the Battle of Saratoga. The Continental Congress proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving each year during the remaining years of the American Revolution.

In 1863 in the midst of the Civil War Abraham Lincoln, after reading a series of newspaper editorials proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national Thanksgiving Day in an executive proclamation. Since then Thanksgiving has been observed annually in the United States. In 1939, in another executive proclamation, Franklin Delano Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the next to last Thursday in November. In 1941, Congress officially designated Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

The Thanksgiving holiday is a uniquely American tradition that honors our nation's heritage. It is a special time for families to come together and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. As Americans we have much to be thankful for. Our nation's rich history of democracy has established a nation that respects the rights of individuals and protects justice. Thanks to the service and sacrifice of many, we can celebrate Thanksgiving in freedom.

We all owe our thanks and we honor the brave men and women in our Armed Forces who fearlessly and selflessly serve our nation. Our troops serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and throughout the world, protect our freedoms, keep America safer and are bringing democracy to other parts of the world. As you travel this holiday season and see a member of our Armed Forces, please be sure they know how much we appreciate their dedication, courage and the sacrifices they, their friends and families make for our nation. Many in the service spend holidays away from family and loved ones.

Like so many people, I am most thankful and grateful for my family. My wife and two daughters are always supportive and constantly make me proud. As the holiday season begins, and families across the nation gather for the Thanksgiving holiday, it is an opportune time for each of us to be thankful for the opportunities America offers.

It is a privilege to serve the citizens of Ohio's Third District. Thank you for entrusting me to be your advocate in Washington. I look forward to continuing to work on a bipartisan basis to protect our country and also to guard the interests of Clinton, Highland, Warren and Montgomery Counties.

http://www.house.gov/miketurner/news/columns/11.17.06.shtml