Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday – November 22, 2012.
Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday – November 22, 2012.
“In 1863, during the height of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation encouraging Americans to ‘set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise for our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.’ I think it’s important to remember, coming off a particularly contentious Presidential election and with America facing significant economic challenges, that we have faced many times that have tested our strength as a nation throughout our history. And, if history has taught us anything, it is that Americans come together in times of conflict and doubt to persevere and prosper.
This Thanksgiving it’s important that we as Americans take some time to reflect on how fortunate each of us is to be living in the greatest, most prosperous country that the world has ever seen. It’s also important that we think about how America became the envy of the world, the sacrifices made to make it so, and what steps we as citizens must take to maintain its greatness. As Americans, we inherited this most precious gift – a country in which we are free to pursue our dreams and govern ourselves. Such a gift comes with a tremendous responsibility. And, we must remember that the freedom we enjoy is not free, that preserving it requires vigilance and sacrifice. It is incumbent upon each of us to take great care of this gift we've been given, and it is our duty to pass its blessings on to our children and grandchildren. Happy Thanksgiving to each of you and your families."
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