In 1621, the Plymouth colonists (Puritans) and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast, which is now known as the first Thanksgiving.  While cooking methods and table etiquette have changed over the years, the meal is still consumed today with the same spirit of celebration.  Each year, families travel all across America, waiting in long airport lines and traffic, to celebrate this holiday with their loved ones.             

As I prepare to sit down at the Thanksgiving table with my family in celebration, I cannot help but think how incredibly fortunate and blessed we are.  Since 2001, we’ve seen the 9/11 attacks, a catastrophic tsunami in Asia, and devastating hurricanes in the United States, not to mention political unrest in some parts of the world and wars in the Middle East.  During these extraordinary times, we find a special assurance from our Thanksgiving tradition, which reminds us that we, as a people and individually, always have reason to hope and trust in God, despite great adversity.  This year we’ve seen some trouble at home in Georgia, especially in our part of the state, with a historic dry spell.  However, much has happened in 2007 to be thankful for – our economy is good, jobs are plentiful and our standard of living is the best in the world.  Overall, this year has been a positive, productive year for our state and the entire U.S.  As we celebrate Thanksgiving 2007, it is important for us to remember that not everyone has a big family, a tasty turkey and a warm home to gather in this year.  At the same time, it is important to think about the many positive things that we have to be grateful for in 2007. 
 
The men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces are safer now than in the last few years, as the number of casualties and roadside bombings are down recently.  But our troops are still on the front lines in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world, protecting freedom and democracy.  These brave men and women do not spend the holidays with their families and loved ones.  Many of them have given their lives this year and their families are celebrating their first holidays without their loved ones.  Let’s be sure to keep the military and their families in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season.  Go by and visit them and thank them for their service and sacrifice.  If possible, donate some time and money to the many charities that are providing for our soldiers and their families during this difficult time.  Write a soldier a letter to wish them Happy Thanksgiving or send them a Christmas package.  Above all, remember to keep our U.S. troops in your Thanksgiving prayers this year. 

The most important thing we should be thankful for is the blessing of God toward this great nation and his divine protection and guidance of our land.  William Webster said this about the Puritans, “Our fathers had that religious sentiment, that trust in Providence, that determination to do right and to seek, through every degree of toil and suffering, the honor of God and the preservation of their liberties, which we shall do well to cherish, to imitate, to equal, to the utmost of our ability.”   

We do well to heed these words, as well as those of President George Washington in his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1798, when he said, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits and humbly implore His protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint committee requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of almighty God, especially in a form of government for their safety and happiness.  Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all that was, that is, or that will be – that we may then all unite in rendering Him our sincere and humble thanks. 

“And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and ruler of nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to render our national government a blessing to the people, to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations and to bless them with good government, peace and concord.  To promote the knowledge and practice of true knowledge and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us, and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of prosperity as He alone knows to be best.” 

There are all kinds of things we can do to spread the message of Thanksgiving as we prepare for our most joyous of holidays.  We can volunteer in our communities or make charitable contributions to organizations that provide food and shelter to the less fortunate.  In the meantime, don’t forget to be thankful for all you have and please try to spread some holiday cheer to your friends and neighbors.  As you prepare to roast your Thanksgiving turkey, decorate your Christmas trees and begin Christmas shopping, don’t lose sight of what it all means.  It is my hope that this Thanksgiving that we remember the origin, significance and purpose of this very special day, and share these great gifts we have with those we love and those in need.  May God bless you this Thanksgiving, and continue to bless this great state and country. 

Please feel free to contact Sen. Chip Pearson at his office in Atlanta at 404.656.9221 or by email at chip@team51.org.