In this time of Thanksgiving…
Later this week, Georgians will gather with friends and family and celebrate our annual Thanksgiving traditions. Whether it is gathering around the table for a meal, watching a parade or football game on television, or calling loved ones far away, what our celebrations look like will vary. But underneath it all is a spirit of gratitude and a love for one another.
While the roots of our modern Thanksgiving go back to the 1500s, our American observance finds its roots with the Pilgrims in Plymouth and Boston in the 1620s and 1630s. While the date of the observance varied over the years, in 1942, Thanksgiving was set on the fourth Thursday in November.
Like you, I know I am thankful to enjoy the blessings of living in the greatest nation on this earth and in our great State of Georgia. With some 11 million residents and counting, Georgia continues to call to people looking for a great place to live, to work, and to raise a family.
In addition to our pro-jobs business climate and our strong economy, Georgia is blessed to be home to some amazing natural beauty and wonders. From our magnificent Golden Isles to the start of the Appalachian Trail, few states enjoy such diversity of natural treasures providing abundant recreational opportunities for all to enjoy.
We also exude that southern hospitality for which we are known around the world. Georgians take pride in our homes and communities and are glad to welcome friends and visitors alike. You can see that hospitality on display in every shop, restaurant, school and church in our state.
These are just a few of the many things that make our state a great place to call home and for which we can all be thankful.
On a more personal level, I want to share just a few of the people I am thankful to have in my life.
I’m blessed to serve with a number of federal, state and local elected officials in my role as Speaker of the House and representative for our 159th House District. I want to say a special word of thanks to the other 179 members of the House of Representatives who invited me to serve as their 75th Speaker. The members of the House come from all over Georgia – with different life experiences and views on the world. Yet each answered the same call to serve their constituents in the House of Representatives. While we may not always agree on everything, there is a deep sense of duty and respect amongst our members and that makes my job as Speaker much easier. I am thankful for their service and support.
I also want to thank the 60,000 or so people who call our 159th House District their home. This includes those in Screven County and portions of Effingham and Bulloch counties. Whether you are a lifelong resident or have recently moved into our area, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you and work on your behalf to build up our community and our state. I am thankful for your continued trust and confidence.
And last – but by no means least – I am thankful for my family: my beloved wife, Dayle, our sons, and their families. They are the reason I get up every day and the reason I feel compelled to work to make our collective futures brighter.
The Burns Family has been fortunate to call our community home for several generations and we hope to do so for many more to come.
In this time of Thanksgiving, I wish God’s blessings for each of you, your families, and our great State of Georgia. Happy Thanksgiving!