Rep. Dennis M. O’Brien

Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Contact: Jeanne H. Schmedlen

Director of Special Projects and Chief of Protocol

(717) 705-1894

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 21,  2007

Speaker O’Brien Issues Thanksgiving Message

Speaker of the House Dennis M. O’Brien today issued the following message in celebration of Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2007:

“At the Thanksgiving holiday, it gives me great pleasure to send my warmest regards to all Pennsylvanians as we celebrate one of the oldest traditions in the United States.

“The Thanksgiving tradition began 386 years ago, when the Pilgrims celebrated their survival in a new world resulting from their newborn friendship with the natives of this country.

“Thanksgiving is a celebration of joy, and thankfulness. It is a time to gather with family and friends, partake in great meals and reflect on life’s blessings.

“Statesman William Jennings Bryan said, ‘on Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence.’ Although we are an independent nation, we the people are not independent of each other.  This Thanksgiving I urge my fellow Pennsylvanians to join me in showing appreciation for family and friends who stand by us and help us.

“This holiday, in particular, provides a great opportunity for people to come together and be thankful for the freedom we enjoy and our blessings as a nation.  We give thanks for the thousands of men and women in uniform who are far away, fighting the war on terrorism in the name of peace and tranquility.  Let us keep these soldiers in our thoughts and prayers not just on this one day, but every day of the year.

“Again, I urge all Pennsylvanians to take this opportunity to celebrate with family and friends and to give thanks for the countless blessings we enjoy. My wife, Bernadette, and our sons Dennis, Jr., Brendan and Joseph join me in sending our very best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving.”

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