November 25, 2003

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks
Statement on the Meaning of Thanksgiving

St. Albans, NY After a non-stop voting session on Capitol Hill last week that lasted through the weekend, Congressman Meeks returned to the district and released the following statement today about the meaning of Thanksgiving, "Today as I distributed turkeys toneedy families in the Sixth Congressional District with the help of our good neighbors of Local 338 I reflected on the meaning of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time for union and reunion a time for celebrations with friends and family and reflection on the blessings that we have received. As a nation, we have a lot to be thankful for this season: the comforts that we enjoy as the richest country on earth and despite our current economic concerns, relative prosperity in comparison to other nations; the liberties that we enjoy as Americans especially during this time of war, the men and women in our armed forces and their families who have sacrificed so selflessly in the nation's service.

Thinking about that first Thanksgiving many years ago, it is important to remember that this holiday is also a time for sharing. As I travel throughout the Sixth District, it reassures me to see the same cooperative spirit that inspired the native and newly immigrated Americans to share their harvests with one another continuing in our neighborhoods, our schools, our churches and our homes. With aid organizations reporting large increases in the numbers of the hungry and homeless, it has become even more important than ever to share our bounty with the less fortunate and those in need." [End]

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