Happy Thanksgiving from The Bradenton Times

Thanksgiving has become an integral part of the American tradition. Turkey, football games, pumpkin pies and the pleasing colors of autumn leaves. Our melting pot of traditions are as eclectic as our citizenry. Though times are tough for many, take today and be thankful for the things that money can't buy.

Here are a few to consider:

Our family: No one will ever compare to their intertwined importance. No one will understand us better, accept us more readily, or forgive us as easily.

Children: their innocence is a constant reminder of the best in mankind. They are our future. They provide our hope.

Our country: Even though we may disagree passionately on how best to govern, we all benefit from living in a place of unrivaled potential, a pivotal society that lives in the imagination of the entire world.

Our community: We are blessed to live in a community of unmatched beauty, a cornucopia of mother nature's finest fruits. We have blue waters and powder sand beaches. We have the symphony of songbirds, the exotic company of dolphins, sea turtles and manatees; and we have good people everywhere we turn.

Happy Thanksgiving from the staff of The Bradenton Times.