Thanksgiving Day Message

This Thanksgiving, family and friends are coming together to reflect on the many blessings of the past year.  It is also a time when millions of Americans provide a helping hand to those less fortunate. 

We must also remember our military men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan who will be spending the coming holiday season far from home.  We pray for their safety.     

So far this year, our nation has experienced unprecedented challenges brought on by a declining housing market and economy.  We have also witnessed milestone achievements in Iraq while the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan has taken new shape.     

These are difficult times for our military, homeowners and working Americans alike.  Together, we face serious challenges which, depending on how we respond, will determine our future.

Most certainly, I believe we can overcome these challenges and restore faith in our economy.  And with the right strategy in Afghanistan, we can strengthen our security at home and abroad, and bring freedom to millions of others in the process.  As a nation, we have endured our share of tough times and, as always, we will adapt and emerge stronger than before.

Looking back over the past year, the opportunity to represent the San Diego community in Congress has been among my greatest privileges.  Your insight continues to help shape my perspective on many important issues and I greatly value your friendship and support.

So this Thanksgiving, let us all take time to express our appreciation to God for good health, family and friends, as well as those who are fighting overseas to protect freedom for the rest of us.