This week, Americans are gathering with family, friends, and loved ones to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.  Indeed, we have much to be thankful for this holiday season.  We live in a land where we are free to express our own thoughts and ideas, where we can use our talents and abilities to earn a better life and a brighter future for ourselves and our families, and where all people are free to worship whatever religion they choose. 

As you celebrate Thanksgiving, I ask all Arkansans to remember not only our forefathers who formed this great nation, but also our men and women in uniform who are now called to defend our freedoms in American’s war Against terrorism, and especially, the families of the victims who lost their lives on September 11th.

I also ask you to remember those who may not have a family to spend the holidays with and those who do not have access to a warm Thanksgiving meal.  On Wednesday my wife, Holly, my son, Alex, and my daughter, Sydney Beth, and I delivered meals with the Meals on Wheels programs to seniors in Garland County who are unable to leave their homes and cannot cook for themselves.  I hope that this holiday you will not only give thanks for the blessing in your lives, but also reach out to a neighbor or fellow citizen in need, for that is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.