Hobbs, NM -- Cynthia and I would like to wish you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

As we know, many will travel great distances to celebrate this uniquely American holiday with family and friends. Last year an estimated 46 million Americans journeyed 50 miles or more from home during Thanksgiving weekend. That alone indicates how much our nation values this holiday.

The tradition of Thanksgiving commemorates Faith, Family, Unity, and Freedom. Most historians trace the holiday to 1621 - a harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth (Massachusetts) and the Wampanoag Indians. The Pilgrims came to America fleeing religious persecution in Europe. Days of Thanksgiving in New England were common, for example, to give thanks to God for a military victory or for an end to drought.

The Continental Congress proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving in 1777. On October 3, 1863, during the Civil War, President Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26. In 1941, Congress established the federal holiday as the fourth Thursday in the month.

€œIn God We Trust € is our national motto. Thanksgiving reminds of the ways in which God has blessed us and our great Nation. We are among the freest people on Earth. Freedom, however, is not free. We must never forget the sacrifices of those who have fought for and preserved our freedom. Our soldiers, sailors, Marines, Reservists and members of the National Guard are working day and night to defend us. Many are separated from loved ones, serving in harm's way or in remote areas abroad. Nor can we forget our police, firefighters and other first responders on the front lines to protect us.

Let's remember them, their families and our Veterans in our prayers. Because of them, we can celebrate this holiday. Our debt of gratitude to them can never be repaid. That said, we can let them know how much we appreciate them. Please also keep in your thoughts and prayers the millions of Americans who remain unable to find work and their families.

Whether the thought is expressed as a home-cooked meal, phone call, or card, let's express our thankfulness.

God bless you and your family.