Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. There is some controversy over when the first Thanksgiving was held. Most people feel that the traditional first Thanksgiving occurred at the site of the Plymouth Plantation in 1621. On October 3, 1789, President George Washington proclaimed that the people of the United States observe a day of public thanksgiving and prayer on Thursday the 26th of November. In 1941 a congressional joint resolution officially set the fourth Thursday of November as a national holiday for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time when no one has to worry about giving gifts or if the gift to Aunt Vi is something she liked or at least equal in value to the gift to Aunt Gladys. It is a family time under no pressure (except for the cooks – I once burned two ducks to a few cinders). Families can get together to visit, watch football, eat too much and enjoy each other. This holiday has become even more meaningful since September 11th, as we have learned what is really important in life.

The other day I went to an AT&T store to get a phone replaced. The lady who was helping me somehow recognized me and said that in 1974 when she was in grammar school, she had won a prize writing about Americanism and Thanksgiving and I had presented her the award. I went back several days later to pick up the article that Ruth (Frances) Rohrbaugh wrote. Here is part of what she wrote:

“We are the greatest nation in the world. When we speak the words, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the Republic for which it stands” we get a feeling of pride as we repeat these words each morning. We have much to be proud of as Americans. Proud to know that every child in America has the right to an education and to be whatever he or she wants to be (how incredibly prophetic – my words). Proud that I have a loving Mother and Father. Proud of the young men in our country who gave their lives for their country. Proud to be able to wake up in the morning without fear. Proud to live in the greatest nation in the world. Proud to live in the land of the free, and the home of the brave. I am proud of the song we sing about America.”

My country tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim's pride!
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring!

Even in these difficult times both internationally and domestically we have a lot to be thankful for. Let us pray for peace on earth. It is difficult to be positive when there is so much going wrong. Your heart breaks when you learn about Mumbai or see on TV families homeless as a result of foreclosures, and I could go on and on. But Ruth pointed out what is right. Let us in our own way show our thanksgiving each day by trying to do something no matter how small for someone else. In my prayers each night I ask God to let me use the talents he has given me to make a difference. God Bless America!

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Lou Frey represented Central Florida in the U. S. Congress from 1969 to 1979. In his last election, he received nearly 80% of the vote. He was elected one of five Republican leaders in the House of Representatives during the 93rd and 94th Congress. He served on...