Gulf Coast Family

Since the Pilgrims observed the initial Thanksgiving holiday in 1621, this occasion has served as a singular expression of the transcending spiritual values that played an instrumental part in the founding of our country.

One hundred and twenty years ago, in the midst of a great and terrible civil conflict, President Lincoln formally proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to remind those “insensible to the ever watchful providence of almighty God” of this Nation’s bounty and greatness. Several days after the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield, the United States celebrated its first national Thanksgiving. Every year since then, our Nation has faithfully continued this tradition. The time has come once again to proclaim a day of thanksgiving, an occasion for Americans to express gratitude to their God and their country.

In his remarks at Gettysburg, President Lincoln referred to ours as a Nation “under God.” We rejoice in the fact that, while we have maintained separate institutions of church and state over our 200 years of freedom, we have at the same time preserved reverence for spiritual beliefs. Although we are a pluralistic society, the giving of thanks can be a true bond of unity among our people. We can unite in gratitude for our individual freedoms and individual faiths. We can be united in gratitude for our Nation’s peace and prosperity when so many in this world have neither.

As was written in the first Thanksgiving Proclamation 120 years ago, “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God.” God has blessed America and her people, and it is appropriate we recognize this bounty.

– Ronald Reagan, Sept. 15, 1983

“I am thankful for my healthy and happy children, my wonderful husband and great friends!” – Peggy Comerford
“I’m thankful to know where I will spend eternity...and I’m thankful that I spend a lot of time on the road because the person I share an office with drives me nuts!” – Dave Mount
“I am especially thankful for a family that really loves to be together. We always have fun even if it’s as simple as grocery shop- ping!” – Cindy Bishop
“I am thankful for my friends, my family, and my church. I am thankful that I can be a part of my grandchildren’s lives even though they drive me crazy sometimes. Just kidding.” – Shirley Grandmason
“I am thankful for God’s goodness. He gave my soul peace and comfort and brought me through to the other side of cancer. I also thank Him everyday for the privilege of being a mom and grand-mom.” – Annette DiMarco
“I’m thankful for the call and ability to teach music.” – Sharon Goins
I am grateful for the privilege to teach some wonderful children and in a small way touch the future. – Joni
“I’m thankful for the gift of life—the one I carry in my arms and the one I carry inside me.” – Cherith Logan
“I’m thankful for a loving, understanding wife and wonderful children. Also, I am thankful that no matter what happens in the future God is still in control.” – Steve Haught
“I am thankful for my family and for God’s saving grace. I am also thankful to have an extended family—all the amazing staff, faculty, students and parents at our school.” – Diana Dumais
“I am thankful for my family who supports me in a career that allows me to help others. Every day is a gift filled with new people and opportunities.” – Amy Perry
I’m thankful for my Mommy, my Daddy, and my Teddy Bear. – Tucker John Hartzell