POCA -- Nearly 100 Putnam County residents gathered in a spirit of gratitude at the 15th annual "For This We Give Thanks" Putnam County luncheon on Tuesday at Wellington's of Scarlet Oaks.

The luncheon is organized and sponsored by the Putnam County Rotary Club, and is now co-sponsored by the Putnam Chamber of Commerce, Putnam Lions Clubs, Kiwanis Club and the County Commission.

Dr. Bill Ellis, charter member of the Rotarians and columnist for the Putnam Herald, served as master of ceremonies, introducing a diverse and inspiring line up for the celebration first observed by the Pilgrims in 1621, proclaimed a National Holy Day by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, and finally ratified as a national holiday in 1941.

Ellis expressed concern that the holiday seems to be losing significance squeezed between Halloween and traditional Christmas celebrations.

A special message from Rotary President Chet Marshall, who was absent for treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, reminded us that while there is a great deal of uncertainty and challenges in our country, we here in Putnam County have much to be thankful for.

County Commission President Gary Tillis expounded on Marshall's words, defining the growth Putnam County has realized during the national recession. "We have a lot to be thankful for," began Tillis. "Unemployment in Putnam County is below the national average. We are blessed geographically; we have an attractive place to live between the state's two largest cities. We have also been blessed with growth in infrastructure despite tough economic times."

Tillis praised Putnam County voters who recently passed the school bond and doted on students and teachers who recently gained exemplary school status. Tillis blushed about exceeding the time he was allotted to speak and continued, "I'd be remiss if I didn't give credit to our business owners who create a tax base that allows us to extend services to the residents of Putnam County, and I want to thank our department heads and county employees who work hard to obtain grants for the betterment of the county."

Tillis also thanked volunteers who work to improve the county, as well as military veterans and those currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. He asked that the citizens of Putnam County be compassionate toward the challenges faced by the families of those who have gone to war so we may enjoy peace.

Patriotic songs delivered by Dr. Melissa Pratt, Mandy Mobley Bohm, and Hurricane High School Sophomore, Allie Sargent were especially moving to the crowd as they enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving menu in the serene dining hall overlooking the manicured golf course.

The keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Johnson, leader of the American Baptist Convention and senior pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, reminded the crowd -- which is comprised largely of business leaders, elected officials, and government employees -- that it is easy to be thankful when times are good; what we should strive for, however, is not to observe Thanksgiving one day of the year, but rather to engage in "thanks-living" every day of the year.

Canned goods donated by those in attendance are to be delivered to local food pantries with the hope that the needy in Putnam County will also be blessed.

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