[Dave McCracken]

The family pretty much OD'd on trytophan today, and I had a 3 hour ride back from Bethlehem with not much to do but drive and think. As I often do, I said a prayer of thanks as we traveled, and it kicked off a train of thought.

So I give thanks for(Starting from the small stuff)....

John Olin. He pioneered work which led to our marvelously effective modern ammo. The difference between shells of the 40s, when I was born, and today is about that between the P-51 and an F-18.

The Remington design team at the time of my birth. They gave us the 870, a superb shotgun that then and now gives us lifetimes of service for less than a week's pay. It's introduction spawned other value added arms including the Mossberg 500 and Savage 110 series.

Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever,The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Isaak Walton League, and a host of other fine organizations working to preserve OUR Heritage.

You do belong, or at least donate something to these groups,right?

Thanks go to our military personnel, and our prayers. Thay have a very tough job. The only harder one I can think of is that of their families, waiting and hoping for their safe returns.

Thanks go to our system of government. The Checks and Balances hinder any particular group from seizing power, and the Second Amendment guarantees that the next American Revolution can occur if needed.

"From all enemies, foreign and domestic",

Thanks go to the Almighty. God gave us a world full of beauty and challenges. If we act like spoiled brats in a sandbox rather than stewards, The Almighty cannot be held accountable for our misdeeds. We are.

What are you most thankful for?.....

[Gordon]

Thanks to the gracious Almighty first,my loving family second, my still good health in my 60th year:eek: , and all the wonderful patriots I have met in my life, like you too Dave!;)
I'm still thankful for my intimate afternoon spent with Jeff Cooper in his home this April. This man did more to validate my lifestyle than anyone else I know. And Yes, I DO contribute to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation!:)

Happy Thanksgiving.

[P95Carry]

Many many things Dave - but these are some -

Health and family - probably #1 for most. I do get irked at age effects but think daily not only that I am thankful for another day but - even my aches and pains are as nothing compared to many folk's problems.

I am glad I 'became' an American - proud of it. All is not right - here or anywhere but heck - we have many, many things we can be thankful for. I gladly relinquished my stake in the UK - that is history.

I am thankful also for the 2A and that I can take responsibility for my safety and that of family because I can carry - praise be if I never have to use it. Then the simpler side of shooting as sport/recreation.

I give thanks for my dear wife - 2nd time around but I am truly blessed this last six years. She is truly my other half and my treasure.

I give thanks for my own kids who are settled and producing grand critters - an enjoy the pride I feel.

There are many lesser things to be thankful for also but above all I'd ask anyone to never take anything for granted - savor what you have and cherish it too.

Finally, I give thanks and much thought towards our boys out in foreign parts, whether at war or simply keeping peace. They must be included on our Thanksgiving.

[Hoppy590]

in addition to the thanks i gave at dinner, Id like to say thanks for being in America, thanks for men like Washington, Adams,Paine and the likes.

id also like to give thanks to these fine men
Claude-Étienne Minié
Samuel Colt
Oliver Fisher Winchester
Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson
Hiram Maxim
Wilhelm and Paul Mauser
Sergei Mosin & Leon Nagant
John Garand
John Moses Browning
Eugene Stoner
Mikhail Kalashnikov

and many more

[mswestfall]

Thanks for reminding me to give thanks. I am thankful for all that I love, know, trust in and possess. (In that order.)

Your e-mail also shamed for not being in one of the organizations, so I just joined Quail Unlimited.

Thanks for the post!

[Dave McCracken]

Thanks for the responses, folks. I left family and health out because I give thanks for them every day. Been too close to losing them to take anything for granted.

Gordon, I'm no super patriot. I'm just an average guy who knows what works.

Amen, Chris. With WW and the kids, I am truly Blessed.

Right, Hoppy. Lots of folks stayed up late at night so we can continue to enjoy our rights and privileges. Armed people are never slaves.

No shame, ms. Thanks....