WASHINGTON, D.C. - In his 2008 Thanksgiving Day message released today, Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, noted the sacrifices made by National Guard members, their families and employers to make this world a safer place.
Here is the text of McKinley's message:
November offers the opportunity to reflect on the many blessings we Americans enjoy. Since the season grants us the occasion to express our gratitude, I offer my sincere thanks to the National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and their families during Military Family Month, National Family Week and the Thanksgiving holiday.
When the pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving, they marked the day with thanks for the blessings of freedom and prosperity. America's blessings have not come without sacrifice. National Guard members selflessly serve our country at home and abroad, coming to the aid of friends and neighbors, as well as providing integral support to the Global War on Terror.
Nearly 60,000 of our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen will be away from their families during these holidays. For those who are deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and other parts of the world, you are missed by your loved ones, coworkers, friends and neighbors. We are grateful for your efforts to make this world safer.
This November, let us all give thanks to the men and women of the National Guard, their families and employers who serve our country through their selfless commitment to our Nation. Let us remember those who have died to secure peace and advance the principles of freedom and democracy. May we forever cherish the blessings these honorable men and women have given us and continue to give through their devotion to family and country.