Thanksgiving traditions: Bringing holiday cheer to all

Brig. Gen. Rosanne Bailey
435th Air Base Wing and

Thanksgiving is a special day focused mostly on family, food and football.

Let’s not forget, however, that this unique American tradition is rooted in thanking God for all the blessings we have enjoyed throughout the last year.

It began not after an easy year, but after the pilgrims endured very hard times including near starvation and extraordinary hard work to finally reach the position of having enough food and adequate shelter to make it through the coming winter.

That year they had a robust harvest, they had survived the difficult tests, and they had each other and their God to thank for it.
Many of us can relate to in the difficulties of the pilgrims’ early years, so their story reminds us to be thankful for those things that are good despite stress, demanding missions and for some, great heartache.

We can rejoice in our health, in being citizens of a great and enduring nation with the freedom to choose our leaders and in the enormous benefits of a wealthy nation. America’s character shines beyond her wealth, as we once again spend lives and treasure to open the gates of freedom for another nation.
Let us give thanks!