NSBNEWS.net photo by Henry Frederick. State Rep. Dorothy Hukill, seen here at the Brannon Center at a recent fuction, sends Thanksgiving wishes to her constituents.
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and contemplation. Nearly 150 years ago, during the crisis of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln decreed that the last Thursday in November would be set aside as a day of Thanksgiving. Lincoln knew that in hard times, the act of giving thanks would unite our people and give us strength for whatever challenges were facing our Nation.
Again, there will be empty seats at the table this Thanksgiving holiday. To the men and women who are serving our Country overseas and away from their families - thank you for all that you do. We pray for your safety and a speedy return home.
I read something yesterday that really warms my heart. We've all gone through a lot in the past year, and I think it would be understandable if people took a little time off from their charitable giving and volunteering and tended to their own affairs for a while. But that hasn't happened. According to a recent report, Americans are still volunteering at the same high level that they were before the economy turned bad last September. And, despite these tough economic times, Americans are still the most charitable people in the world. In the face of fear and uncertainty, Americans have risen to the occasion and met the challenge with compassion, understanding, and charity.
Now it's true that we are a blessed and fortunate people. We live in the greatest country in the world, and we enjoy freedoms that so many others can only dream of. But it will never be said that we were unworthy of these blessings, or unaware of the gratitude that we owe to our Creator who has granted us His favor.
From my family to yours, have a Happy Thanksgiving, and God Bless.
Dorothy