THANKS: Express yours properly

Thanksgiving Day - what it should mean to all Americans:

Thanksgiving Holiday began in colonial America when, in 1621, William Bradford, governor of Plymouth Colony, called for "a day of thanksgiving and prayer" after the colonists' first successful harvest. Other New England colonies began the practice in the 1830s and the southern states followed in the 1850s; each in their own way of recognizing the success of the summer harvest and giving thanks to God for their bounty. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Webster's Dictionary defines thanksgiving as, 1: the act of giving thanks, 2: prayer expressing gratitude and 3: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine guidance. Additionally, holiday is defined as, 1: a Holy Day, 2: a day exempt from work and 3: a period of relaxation.

Hopefully, in our time from work and relaxation we will also take the time to thank God for the freedoms and blessings we share in America.

LEONARD BRANT

Rathdrum