Early settlers in America who had come from England had every reason to set aside a time to express their gratitude to God for His blessings upon them during their first year in this new land.

William J. Federer, prominent historian and author of "America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations," writes, "On Nov. 29, 1623, three years after the Pilgrims' arrival and two years after the first Thanksgiving, Governor William Bradford made an official proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving."

Thanksgiving Day, as we know it, is the only National Religious Holiday of American origin. We see it being increasingly crowded out by all the commercialization of Halloween and Christmas. If we forget to be a thankful people, we will become a defeated people. There is not a person or a nation who can be at their strongest if they cease to be thankful.

Those who have the privilege of living in Putnam County are among the most blessed people anywhere in the world. Here are a few of the many things I like about where we live:

The weather, with its four distinct seasons, is ideal.

We are ideally located between two major cities, minutes from two airports, very close to interstate highways going north, south, east and west. We also have railway and river traffic with the powerful Kanawha and Ohio rivers. We have the finest public schools in the state and superb Christian schools.

We have universities within our county and higher education opportunities are all around us. We have productive farmland and dairy land. Manufacturing continues to grow, service businesses, banks and stores of all kinds.

Everything we need is here and that includes a splendid hospital, CAMC Teays Valley, nursing homes, funeral homes, automotive sales and repairs, first class doctors, lawyers, entertainment and anything you need for a healthy and productive life. We have at least four daily newspapers plus weekly papers, numerous radio and television stations.

There seems to be a church within reach of everybody. Some of the nation's finest pastors and counselors are close by.

On Tuesday, a large representative group of Putnam citizens came together at Wellington's superb restaurant in Poca, for the 15th Annual Putnam County Thanksgiving Dinner.

After we had listened to beautiful instrumental and vocal music by Dr. Melissa Pratt, Mandy Bohm, who is known nationwide for her superb voice and directing skills and soloist Allie Sargent, a talented sophomore at Hurricane High School, we turned our attention to a message on "Thanks Living" by the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Johnson, pastor of the historic and expanding Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

Dr. Johnson, in his eloquent and dynamic style, which has brought him listeners in conventions and conferences across the nation, stated, "If you are grateful, do something to show it. People will remember little of what you say, but will never forget what you do." He reminded us, "There is plenty we can do between now and Thanksgiving Day and Christmas and the New Year to make a difference in the lives of others."

Count your blessings! Ancient words remind us to "Be thankful to Him, and bless His name" (Psalm 100:4).

Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist who can be reached at P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560; phone 304-757-6089.

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Bill Ellis/The Putnam Herald

At homes and businesses throughout Putnam County, we have seen Thanksgiving decorations that remind us of our many blessings. This Putnam home decoration gives us a glimpse of what is grown in many county farms and gardens.

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