We have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

We are thankful for the kindness of others, many who give to various organizations in the River Parishes to help those in need.

We are thankful that we were spared this hurricane season, giving us precious time to continue restoring our communities and rebuilding our lives from the devastating storms of recent years.

We are thankful for the brave sacrifice of the men and women in the Armed Forces of America, who stand watch for us at home and around the world. They are our true heroes.

We are thankful for our warm beds, for the cars we drive to work, for the job we have to go to every morning.

We are thankful for the uniqueness of our Louisiana culture. It nourishes us. It helps us form a bond that cannot be broken. It reminds us of our storied past and gives us hope for the future.

And we are thankful for the love of friends and family and for God, Who helped see us through another year.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.