A Thanksgiving message to Team Edwards Published Nov. 18, 2011 By Command Team 95th Air Base Wing Commander EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Considering its history, it seems appropriate that Thanksgiving is located so closely on the calendar with Veteran's Day. So much of what we have to be thankful for as a grateful nation is linked so closely with the military. Thanksgiving essentially became an annual tradition in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, as President Lincoln urged everyone in the country to pause and give thanks for the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. In 1941, during both the Great Depression and World War II, the fourth Thursday in November was declared a federal holiday. A few short weeks later the United States was plunged into that great conflict following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The world would be a very different place without the brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces during peace times as well as times of war. Today we now find ourselves in the tenth year of combat deployments which have stressed our forces and our families. We are so very thankful for the dedication of our military and families'. Our freedoms, our heritage, and the very way of life we enjoy today are made possible because of you. We are thankful and honored to serve with such incredible people as all of you here at Team Edwards. Your dedication to duty and your willingness to serve truly reflect the best in our nation. And for your families, there is no better time than now to recognize them and give thanks for their remarkable sacrifices made every day that enables us to accomplish our mission. Today, thousands of service members, including many from team Edwards, are deployed around the world protecting these freedoms. As you celebrate with your friends and families, please remember your deployed comrades who are serving in harm's way. Keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers. As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, we ask you to be vigilant in looking after the safety of your family and your wingmen. Keep your mind on the basics: always buckle up, don't speed, and don't drink and drive. Your plan for a designated driver shouldn't be created after you've had your first drink. Drive safely, and make sure you are keeping an eye out for the travelers around you - especially drivers who may seem distracted or impaired. We want everyone to return from the Thanksgiving holiday safe, rested and recharged. We appreciate your hard work and dedication, and are so thankful for your service to our great nation. From your entire command team here at Edwards, we send the very best of holiday wishes to you and your families.