Thanksgiving Day

NEWS RELEASE    ---     From the Office of Representative Shelley Keeney - 156^th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT:    Rep. Shelley Keeney
November 17, 2011	(573) 751-5912

Thanksgiving Day

Though there is no real evidence that turkey was served at the Pilgrim's first thanksgiving, it has become one the most well-known symbols of Thanksgiving. 

Benjamin Franklin is noted for saying, that since the wild turkey was native to North America, he wished the turkey could have been chosen as the representative symbol for our nation instead of the bald eagle.  In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln officially proclaimed a national day of “thanksgiving.”  Since then each US president has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation, designating the fourth Thursday of each November as the official holiday for the United States.

Do you and your families have Thanksgiving traditions?  Do you prepare foods from the fall harvest to carry you through the winter like the pilgrims?  Do you gather your family to celebrate being together on what has become a “family” gathering time for many?  

If you are part of a community or church group which prepares and provides a meal for those less fortunate; thank you for your kindness.

The cooler weather and falling leaves makes one think that winter will soon be here.  It encourages me to spend as much time outside as possible—whether walking, going hunting or clearing the leaves and flowers from our yard. I hope you can enjoy this time of the year as well before the days slip away and Christmas is upon us in about a month. 

Once December comes to an end, it also means that I will be in Jefferson City, every week through May, working to represent you at the state legislature. 

Whether or not you have the traditional turkey on your Thanksgiving table, I hope you are able to spend quality time with family members and also take time to give thanks for the blessings in your life.

Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly updates via electronic E-Mail, by sending an email with your name to: Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov  You may also go to the House members’ website and sign up on my home page, as well as have access to other House information and legislation. http://www.house.mo.gov/member.aspx?year=2011&district=156

As always, I appreciate hearing from you about your comments, opinions and concerns regarding legislative matters and state government.  Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-5912 or you may write me at: Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 or email me.