1. ​      Bring Back The Red White and Blue
   

Tom Gobbler Turkey views of Thanksgiving.

Turkey day will be upon us and as throughout history my forefathers have valiantly given up their lives to fill the stomachs of all those whom choose to have turkey dinners.  This year will be no exception and before the hatchet falls upon my scrawny neck and I bid adieu (only to be roasted to a golden brown) in a very hot oven my mind wonders back to stories told by my forefathers.

 All the way back to the time the first Thanksgiving dinner was celebrated by the Pilgrim’s after there historic survival in the new country.  Sacrificing life and limb to build a life for families to thrive and free ideas to reign.  Moving forward to those days when a handful of men, giants in thought and moral values set about creating a new free country and the constitution of the United States of America to govern what has become the largest free democracy on the planet, ah the good ole days!

 Many of my relatives have been consumed throughout the years in numerous mess halls around the world by the brave and valiant men and women of our armed services who place their lives on the line to insure each and everyone of you have the right to eat turkey or tofu or fish or whatever in the comfort of your own homes thanking whatever deity you so choose.  Yes, from the sands of Iraq to the Afghanistan Mountains’ turkey dinners will be served and my forefathers will be proud.

 Ah, before I take the final plunge and place my neck on the chopping block the images of history run through my mind.  The numerous times this American life has been threatened from without by tyranny and wars only to remain free and stronger.  The red blood spilled by many to insure freedom and liberty does not give way to dictatorship and anarchy.  The walking wounded who remind you everyday of what it takes to keep these ideals alive and well in a world often trying to take them away!

 Yes, as I walk towards the chopping block I cock my head to the sky to look high up in the breeze at a most beautiful sight.  Unfurling its gracious colors of red, white and blue with fifty white stars the flag known throughout the world by all mankind as the flag representing a free and prosperous nation of all faiths and beliefs no one can deny.  I am blessed to know my forefathers have been part and parcel of this truly historic journey.

 So this Thanksgiving know I am at peace giving my scrawny neck to the chopping block for someone’s main course meal.  Peacefully dreaming of all the previous dinners and sacrifices made by all those who continue to fight the fight to keep this great country free.  Yep, although my time has been short and sometimes filled with bewilderment as to where this country may be going, my heart beats with happiness knowing it has handled far worse circumstances and decisions than those it faces today.  The flag still flies!!!

 I bid you all adieu and I prepare for my place on the platter at the head of the table for after all I am the center piece of the great Thanksgiving meal!!  Whack!!!