`operation Offset' A Mission U.s. And Military Can't Afford

Everhart robbed of 2 pieces

Sunday, November 20, 2005 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 1B 





IN THE FOUR years that have passed since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11,
2001, we have witnessed a renewed sense of patriotism and appreciation for the
American way of life. Some may be surprised that the patriotic spirit reborn
after those attacks seems just as strong today if not stronger. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 We may not have confidence in our nation's leaders, but our commitment to
America and the soldiers who protect our freedoms has not waned. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On Thursday, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday with roots that
precede the establishment of our nation. Pilgrims and native people who were
grateful for the bountiful harvest that flowed in the new world first
celebrated a feast of thanksgiving in 1621. After their arrival in the new
world in 1620, nearly half of the 102 who sailed on the Mayflower did not
survive the winter. Those who did survive had great cause for rejoicing. Back
in those days there was no thought of making this feast an annual event. More
than 50 years passed before another thanksgiving feast took place. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 This one, on June 20, 1676, took place only in Massachusetts. It's
interesting that this feast of thanksgiving happened nearly 100 years to the
day before our national independence. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Victory over the British in the Revolutionary War gave rise to a need to
celebrate another national day of thanksgiving. In 1777, all 13 colonies
celebrated a national day of thanks, but thanksgiving, as a national holiday,
still was not established. President George Washington proclaimed a National
Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, but President Thomas Jefferson halted it. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Thanksgiving Day, as we know it, didn't become firmly established until
1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared that the last Thursday in
November would be known as Thanksgiving Day. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 President Lincoln was influenced by Sarah Joseph Hale, a New England
magazine editor who worked tirelessly for 40 years to gain support for a
national day of thanks. Her efforts led directly to our thanksgiving
celebration. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 I am not writing this column as a historian but as an American grateful for
all of the hard work and efforts that have allowed us to live in this great
country. I was intrigued by the history of Thanksgiving Day. The story of this
feast reminds me that nothing good worth fighting for will come easily. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The pilgrims faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles as they pioneered
this new land, and they did not give up. The early Americans seemed like David
fighting Goliath against the superior British forces, and they didn't give up.
Even presidents and ordinary citizens like Sarah Joseph Hale did not give up
on the idea of a national day of giving thanks. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 We remind ourselves of these stories to give us courage in the face of
terrorism, war and intimidation. Our nation was founded by those seeking
freedom. They fought for freedom against foes that seemed greater than them,
and they overcame great obstacles to secure their freedom. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Overcoming all obstacles for freedom is our heritage handed on to us from
generations past; it must be the legacy we pass along to the next generation. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In the meantime, we are wise to stop for a moment and appreciate all that
has been gained for us. We live in the greatest country in the world. We enjoy
many freedoms others in the world can't even imagine. For all that we have
received, let us give thanks. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Americans Have Much To Be Thankful For/ Perspective Father Bob Timchak