For nearly 150 years the United States has set aside a day in November to celebrate the abundant blessings God has bestowed on it, following a proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln on Oct. 3, 1863.

In keeping with this tradition of giving thanks, Baldwin County United together with the Baldwin County Commission hosted the fourth annual “Day of Thanks Breakfast” Nov. 25, an event that brings together Baldwin County community, legislative and administrative leaders for thanks, a free breakfast buffet and a guest speaker.

After apologizing for not writing his speech and forewarning those gathered he would have to leave if his cell phone rang and he did not recognize the number, guest speaker Capt. William P. Reavey Jr., commanding officer of the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, explained his son, Sean, is serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army and did not get to call often.

Reavey said he could not be prouder of his son, because Sean has done more in   1 1/2 years of service than Reavey has in 24.

“He joined when our country was at war,” Reavey said. “Kids who join now are thrown in to harm’s way as soon as they are trained. They willingly join and place their lives on the line.”

Reavey said the kids on the ground are winning the nation’s wars.

“Today, there are over 150,000 servicemen and women, between active military, reserves and the National Guard, that are away from their families because of this war,” Reavey said. “This is not just a war they are fighting, it is a mission of peace keeping and rebuilding.”

Reavey said the issues facing the country today are similar to those faced in 1863 and read from Lincoln’s proclamation to illustrate the need for citizens to give thanks for what they have instead of focusing on the problems of a dwindling economy and a war that appears to have no end.

“Much like today, our country was at war,” Reavey said. “And, the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom,” Reavey read.

Reavey said many of those freedoms come from the men and women who have and continue to serve in the military — soldiers who honor the past while guarenteeing freedom.

“They above all others deserve thanks for their honor and commitment,” Reavey said. “A special thanks should be given to those who have fallen. We can never pay them or their families back.

“A special thanks should also go to the families left behind, especially the kids who don’t understand why mommy or daddy is gone, just that they are.”

Reavey said people on the home front should keep the families of service men and women in mind during the holiday season and every day.

“If there is something you can do, do it,” Reavey said. “Even if it is putting them in your prayers.”

County Commissioner Wayne A. Gruenloh said times of military conflict are not the only times political officials call upon the Lord and give thanks and reminded those gathered of the reasons the first “Day of Thanks Breakfast” was organized.

“After Hurricane Ivan was a trying time for our county, but one thing that has been a consistent in my life is my savior and Lord Jesus Christ,” Gruenloh said. “Following the hurricane, he brought out the strength in folks and brought us through.”

Commissioner Frank Burt said the original thought was to bring together the  leaders of the county to realize and appreciate the blessings people in Baldwin County have.

“The idea was to have some sort of prayer breakfast,” Commissioner David Bishop said. “Eventually, it turned into the ‘Day of Thanks Breakfast,’ and more people attend every year.

“We brought a lot more food this year, and we’ll bring more next year.”