Statement By
Governor Jeb Bush

2002 Thanksgiving

"Thanksgiving is our traditional national celebration of all the blessings we enjoy as Americans. Freedom, families and faith are the very foundations of our liberty and our way of life, and I encourage every Floridian to enjoy this holiday weekend in the true spirit of giving thanks.

"This holiday began as a celebration of new friends in a New World, and an expression of gratitude for a long journey just completed. Today we can give thanks for having accomplished so much on our national journey since last year's terrorist attacks of September 11. We now cherish our liberty even more dearly than before, and we honor even more highly the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform who are even now protecting our liberty both here and abroad. Above all, we give thanks for the precious gift of life itself, and I encourage all Floridians to recommit themselves to living lives filled with purpose. "The First Lady and Lt. Governor Brogan join me in wishing all Floridians a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday."