On this Thanksgiving Day, we pause to give thanks. Despite turmoil and uncertainty in the world around us, our blessings outweigh our troubles. We unite in gratitude for our freedom and prosperity, when so many in other places have much less.
In 1782, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation stating that it is “the indispensable duty of all Nations” to “offer up their supplications to Almighty God…for his gracious assistance” and to “give him praise for his goodness in general.” They recommended that the inhabitants of this land observe the final Thursday of November as a “day of solemn Thanksgiving to God for all his mercies.”
From the time of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, Thanksgiving has been an officially appointed day for our nation to pause and give thanks for the abundance of harvest, for safety from enemies, and for all the blessings of our lives.
Our harvests are plentiful, our industries are productive and our researchers are making discoveries. It is a tremendous time to be alive. America, even with its current challenges, is still the greatest experiment in freedom ever embarked upon.
It is important to remember on this day that our freedoms were bought with a price. Our men and women in uniform continue to pay this price today. I join with all of you in expressing our boundless gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
I echo the words of Ronald Reagan when he said, “I have always believed that this anointed land was set apart in an uncommon way, that a divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the Earth who had a special love of faith and freedom. Our pioneers asked that He would work His will in our daily lives so America would be a land of morality, fairness, and freedom.”
Although we are a society of many beliefs, we can show our bond of unity through our expressions of thanks for all that we enjoy. Today on Thanksgiving, as we pause to consider all the blessings that surround us, let us remember humility, let us determine to share our bounty with those less fortunate, and let us determine to reaffirm our gratitude through the actions of compassion and kindness that make the United States of America the greatest nation in the world.
Best Wishes,
Chris Stewart
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