Thanksgiving has always been a time where people come together to celebrate their blessings.

In 1621, Pilgrims and Americans Indians took three days and celebrated their harvest together. More than 200 years later President Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, as a call for people to be grateful for their many blessings, while trying to reunite a divided country.

Today, at a time when there is so much focus around the country a struggling economy Kansas has many things to be grateful for. Kansas' state motto, Ad Astra per Aspera, "to the stars through difficulty," demonstrates the resiliency and determination of its citizens.

Fortunately, Kansas has not been as significantly impacted by the national housing crisis as other states. Our unemployment is below both the national and Midwestern averages. Kansas is home to 40 percent of critical animal health sector assets in the world while also being ranked in the top 10 states for biosciences and wind energy production.

These industries will provide a strong footing on which our economy can recover and move forward.

Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to come together from every corner of our state, and appreciate our many blessings.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let us all remember those at home and abroad who help make Kansas and our nation a land of opportunity and freedom. We especially remember our Kansas National Guard, Fort Riley soldiers and Kansans bravely serving and protecting our nation everywhere. It's those who have served, and the many who will that truly make Thanksgiving a time of thanks.

Mark Parkinson is lieutenant governor of Kansas.