Thursday, November 25, 2004 Contact: Sean Oblack (202) 225-4176 Thanksgiving, 2004 WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) issued the following statement in honor of Thanksgiving: “We are a fortunate people in a free land, always able to see a better life ahead.  The blessings of liberty and opportunity first expressed in the Mayflower Compact continue to be bestowed upon America.  Though our nation has endured new trials in these past few years, we continue to come together in homes with our families and friends because we believe in this country and we are thankful for its bounty.” “When President Lincoln declared the first national Thanksgiving in 1863, he proclaimed that all Americans ‘in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands…’ should recognize a day of Thanksgiving.  His words still sound a timely and important chord today, especially as tens of thousands of American troops will not be able to spend the day with family.  Let us be thankful for the selfless service of so many who have allowed us to gather with our loved ones on this day.” Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees.  He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City. - 30 -