Sam Johnson

Washington, Nov 16, 2009 -

By U.S. Rep Sam Johnson

Nearly four centuries have passed since the first Thanksgiving, but the reasons we celebrate this day each year remain the same. Throughout times of war and peace and years of poverty and prosperity, Americans have continued this timeless tradition of taking time to pause and say “thanks.”

As we gather around our tables again this year to give thanks for our many blessings, we are reminded that the spirit of Thanksgiving requires more than expressing gratitude for the gifts of faith, freedom, family and friends.  It calls upon each of us to dwell on the meaning of freedom – and those who have fought for it.  With America at war for over eight years, many have lost loved ones or have family protecting this great nation at home and abroad. 

There are numerous opportunities in our area to lend a helping hand during the holidays, and throughout the year.  If you appreciate the bounty of freedom and want to do something about it this holiday season, I challenge you to explore learning more ways you can do great things for our men and women in uniform.  With Christmas rapidly approaching, our troops and veterans need to know that we care about them.  Trust me when I tell you that it can seem exceptionally lonely when you’re far away from home during the holidays -- no matter how much you love your country.

First, I hope you’ll consider making a family project out of Holiday Mail for Heroes.  Created by the Red Cross, Holiday Mail for Heroes allows people to mail Christmas cards and personal greetings to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines overseas and at home, as well as veterans and family members of deployed active-duty military members.  Please send your greetings soon, as the last day to participate is December 7th.

The Red Cross will work with Pitney Bowes to screen all mail for security purposes and then deliver the greetings to over 300 locations worldwide.  People may send cards to Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456.  Greetings must have adequate postage.   Cards received after December 7th will be returned.  Learn more about this program by going to http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail or visiting my website, www.SamJohnson.house.gov.

Second, you also can consider donating to a local charity.  Dallas is Love, is a 501c-3 non-profit organization that raises money to send AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange Service) gift certificates to United States military troops stationed worldwide.  These gift cards can be used around the world in the BX or Commissary stores.  Local kids Tania and Patrick Foster created Dallas is Love to show soldiers that they are not forgotten for their selfless efforts to protect the freedom of this country.  Learn more about this organization by going to http://www.dallasislove.org.  There is no holiday deadline for this local charity since it has grown into a year-round program supporting troops around the globe.

Some folks forget that young men and women have been serving in harms’ way since 2001.  As a 29-year Air Force veteran who spent nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam – more than half of that time in solitary confinement – I know that freedom is not free.

I challenge you this holiday season to share your abundant blessings with those in need. By reaching out to others, especially those who serve on the front lines and their loved ones, we can do our part to keep the true spirit of Thanksgiving – and the blessing of freedom – alive.

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Johnson represents portions of Dallas and Collin Counties.