Imperial Valley News

Hi, this is Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with another California Report.

 

It is Thanksgiving weekend, the time of year when we stop and appreciate all that we have.

 

I am especially grateful for our men and women in uniform, so I recently traveled to Iraq to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with our troops.

 

We shared a meal, worked out together, talked and took a few thousand pictures.

 

It was important to me to thank them, face to face, for their service and commitment to protecting our freedom and safety.

 

For hundreds of years American troops have put their lives on the line to preserve our way of life. And no one appreciates that more than an immigrant like me.

 

I arrived in America right before Thanksgiving, with nothing but

a few dollars and a bag of gym clothes.

 

But America welcomed me with open arms. America offered me the gifts of opportunity and success and the blessings of freedom and democracy.

 

I never take this country for granted. And even in difficult times, especially in difficult times, the American spirit soars and we find strength and hope in each other.

 

There is a lot of uncertainty right now across our nation and around the globe.

 

But I am certain of this: I believe in California and I believe in the people of California.

 

I know our great state will be back and will be stronger than ever because California is home to the hardest working people in the world, the smartest people, the most creative, the most innovative.

 

California leads the way in everything. And I know I am counting my blessings that it  is my home. So this Thanksgiving weekend, as you count your own blessings, please do an act of kindness in your community, as a way of expressing gratitude for living in the greatest state in the greatest country in the world.

 

I made a point of doing that myself this week.

 

I traveled to Fresno and to East Los Angeles…areas that are especially hard hit by these tough economic times…to hand out turkeys, food and clothing.

 

There is no feeling like reaching out and helping others. I hope you will do the same thing and I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend.

 

Maria and I want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.