Today on the fourth Thursday of November 2010 we again celebrate Thanksgiving. Celebrating on the fourth Thursday was set in stone by FDR in 1941 in order for merchants to get a jump start on the Christmas season. Some historians would point to 1565 as the first Thanksgiving celebration in this country celebrated by the Spaniards in St Augustine, Florida. But most of us celebrate the holiday tradition beginning at Plymouth Plantation Massachusetts in 1621. Thanksgiving is a holiday for all ages; for kids, they start dreaming of Christmas with bright shinny toys and sugar plums. For adults, it is a day where many of us take that trek over hill and through the woods to spend the day with family. It is the day that we enjoy a feast made with love and traditions that make Grandmas cobbler to die for and Mamas gravy recipe a closely guarded secret. But we may have forgotten about the true tradition of Thanksgiving - to celebrate survival and the bounties of the land that helped our ancestors survive. It was a day set aside to thank strangers and neighbors alike for their help in that survival. It was a day set aside to thank God Almighty for his many blessings. Today and everyday we need to be mindful of the true spirit of Thanksgiving. It is not the best of times for some of our neighbors. We suggest that you invite someone to enjoy your bountiful meal and to share with your neighbors.Here in Rockdale County we have much to be thankful for; we have beautiful county, moderate temperatures, and neighbors that are willing help neighbors. We are also thankful to you our reader and advertiser; because of your support the Rockdale News is thriving in its second year. From all of us here at the Rockdale News and our families, have a thankful day and above all thank the good Lord for his bountiful harvest and blessings.