email 11/23/06

President Lincoln understood that even at a time of conflict and rancor, we as a nation and a people have much for which we should be thankful and created the national holiday that we celebrate tomorrow. As we gather with our friends and family tomorrow to celebrate Thanksgiving, let's remember in detail what it is for which we give thanks.

Today, as in Lincoln's time, we must remember that our armed forces are fighting in far off lands and we must keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

Let us be thankful for the blessings of democracy. Millions of voters went to the polls this month to make their voices heard and to change the course of our government. While strife and civil war grip many parts of the world, the marvel of the peaceful transition of power is taking place in America and it is worthy of our gratitude.

So as you gather together with you and yours tomorrow, Gert and I send our best wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Wes