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Despite often-rough year, we are thankful for plenty
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The Pilgrims, to whom we can trace the roots of Thanksgiving in 1621, had much to be thankful for. These early Americans gathered to celebrate a bountiful harvest. And after fleeing from religious persecution in England, they also were celebrating newfound freedom to worship as they pleased.
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In much the same vein, we have so many reasons to be thankful now.
We are thankful for the men and women of our nation's armed forces - our friends, relatives, neighbors and others who freely put their lives on the line at home and overseas so we might remain free today. And more so, we are thankful that many of our soldiers who serve in the 155th Brigade Combat Team may soon be home - some as soon as Christmas and other soon after.
In recent weeks here in southwest Mississippi, we have seen progress in our communities for which we are grateful. Our local economies have been healthy, posting what some say are the best sales-tax numbers in recent memory. There is enough commercial and industrial interest in our area that our community leaders have wisely pursued a new business park for Brookhaven and Lincoln County to position our area for the growth we all expect. Projects such as this are a testament to our dedicated public and business officials who are willing to cooperate and compromise for the good of our community.
In some ways, 2005 has been a tough year for Mississippi. In late August, the worst natural disaster to strike the United States in modern times targeted our Gulf Coast, as well as that of neighboring Louisiana and Alabama. But even in the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina - amid scenes of death and destruction - we found the best of our neighbors and ourselves. We are thankful that this catastrophe brought out the best in so many people - friends, neighbors and even strangers willing to lend a hand wherever and however needed.
We are thankful that the human toll of Katrina - as staggering as it was - was not worse. We also are grateful that south Mississippi and other regions affected by the storm already are beginning to show signs of renewal and rebirth, and we have full confidence that our great state will ultimately bounce back even better than it was before.
Like the Pilgrims, we have much to celebrate. We are truly thankful that the Lord watches over us, guides us and provides for our every need.
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©The Daily Leader 2009
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