“On Thursday, Floridians of all faiths and backgrounds will pause to share a meal with family and friends and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.

“As we gather this holiday season to celebrate our gratitude, we should say a special prayer of thanks for the men and women in uniform who serve and sacrifice to protect the liberty and ideals we hold most dear. We must keep them in our prayers and our hearts until they are home to take their place at our tables once again.

“We live in a nation of unparalleled freedom. We are free to worship or not, as we choose. We are free to speak our minds and raise our voices. We are free to pursue our individual dreams, build satisfying lives, and prosper from our efforts. We have much to be thankful for, and I encourage all Floridians to enjoy this holiday weekend in the true spirit of gratitude.

“The First Lady and Lt. Governor Jennings join me in wishing all Floridians a safe, joyous holiday.”