2007 Thanksgiving Message from LTG Caldwell

From LTG William B. Caldwell,IV:

The Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth Rock in 1620 was a monumental event in our history and represents the beginnings of our great Nation. Their first winter was difficult, to say the least, but by faith and perseverance, they endured to plant in the spring, cultivate through the summer, and harvest abundant blessings in the fall. In recognition of those blessings, they set aside a day of feast and thanksgiving.

This holiday season, we have much to be thankful for. Like the Pilgrims we have endured some trying times; especially since September 11th. But on this Thanksgiving Day, we find our Nation and our Army are strong and enduring. Those of us who are at home in the states are blessed to be able to spend this holiday where we choose…with family and friends.

As you bow your heads on Thanksgiving Day, remember to be thankful for your blessings and, most importantly, remember that somewhere… there is a Soldier “ON POINT” serving your Nation and making it possible for you to have your feast in peace. Remember the Soldiers that are in harms way, that need our prayers.

To those of you, who are deployed, thanks… for your service and your sacrifice. When I think of you I am reminded of a quote by Teddy Roosevelt. He once said:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how
the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have
done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually
in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;
who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again,
because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who
does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms,
the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at
the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who
at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so
that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who
neither know victory nor defeat.”

You deserve all the credit… you are in the arena! Your face is marred by dust and sweat and blood and in the end, I am confident that you will know the triumph of high achievement!

And to those families back home. Thank you for your sacrifice. I know it is very difficult to spend the holidays with loved ones absent and in harms way. Know that your contribution to our Nation is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Our thought and prayers are with you on this Thanksgiving… thanks on behalf of our Army for your service, you are making an incredible difference!