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A Valued Thanksgiving Tradition

Washington, Nov 16 -

From minor inconveniences like getting a flat tire to more serious obstacles like losing one’s job or home in Hurricane Sandy, the hurdles that we face sometimes make it hard to remember to count our blessings. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to gather with our family and friends and express our thanks for these blessings, including the people that we love, the food on our table, and the rights and freedoms that we cherish.   



While Thanksgiving did not officially become a holiday until 1941, the tradition of giving thanks goes back to long before our nation was founded. We all learn in school about the first Thanksgiving in 1621, when Native Americans shared their bountiful harvest with the pilgrims at the Plymouth Colony who were struggling from lack of food, proper housing, and bitterly cold weather during their first months in the New World.  



A little more than 150 years later, George Washington set aside December 18th to observe a day of Thanksgiving while serving as Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces, after the colonists’ October victory over British forces in the Battle of Saratoga. During his first year as President in 1789, he declared November 26 a day of national Thanksgiving.



Thanksgiving has played a pivotal role in framing of our country’s history and shaping our values. This year, many of our neighbors in Central Washington and throughout the nation are facing challenging economic circumstances and are making do with less. Generosity has long been an integral part of American values. I hope that in the spirit of Thanksgiving, those of us who can help those less fortunate than ourselves do so – not only today, but throughout the year. I would encourage you to look for local volunteer opportunities in your community, such as helping out at a senior center or soup kitchen. You may also want to see whether any local charity organizations are hosting food or clothing drives.



I am thankful to those who call Central Washington home for giving me the opportunity to represent them. I will continue my work to protect our freedoms as Americans and to ensure that our children’s and grandchildren’s generations will be better off.  I wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving.