November 21, 2012

Manchin: If You Can Count Your Blessings, You Can Share Your Blessings

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today released the following statement on giving thanks this Thanksgiving holiday:

“Every Thanksgiving, I recall one of the most important lessons my parents taught me: If you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. 

“No other national holiday reflects the American character more than Thanksgiving. It is the one day of the year that the entire American family gathers together to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy in this great country. And we do so no matter what is happening in the life of our country – whether in war or peace, in boom or bust, in triumph or tragedy.

“This Thanksgiving, we all must remember the men and women of our armed forces who are standing guard around the world, preserving our freedom and protecting us against those who would destroy us – many of them for their third, fourth or fifth tours of duty.  They will not be with their families for the holiday, but they and their loved ones will be in my prayers.

“The soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of the United States of America are true blessings to all of us, and this Thanksgiving I will offer a special thanks for their service and sacrifice.  And I will pray a special prayer that every one of them will return safely to their homes – and to a grateful nation.

“Every year, when Gayle and I join our family around our Thanksgiving table, we hold hands, say grace and reflect on our many blessings. We realize that not all families have the opportunity to be together, to be in good health, to have the support and resources that enrich our lives, and we pause to add a special prayer for all those who need to feel a new sense of hope.

“On behalf of Gayle and our whole family, we wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.  God bless America, and God bless the great state of West Virginia.”

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