While the U.S. celebrates the 393rd anniversary of the first Thanksgiving, I pause and give thought to what I am thankful for.

Of the people who came over on the Mayflower, only half  lived to celebrate that first Thanksgiving.

On the whole, Americans take for granted many things that many in the world would greatly appreciate and be thankful for. Most people, but not all, have a roof over their heads, food and drinkable water. Many in the world do not have those essentials, especially in Third World countries.

Citizens of the U.S. have some degree of freedom, laid down by the Founding Fathers — something many others do not have. We have freedom of speech, the ability to write and say what we want without the fear of prison or death. We can worship as we desire without religious police dictating what we may and may not believe.

We have a political system that may be flawed, but it is still the best in the world. I traveled a lot during my time in the Navy and know that is so.

We all have the ability to better our lot in life, but it is up to us to make that happen, not the government.

No one ever promised that life was going to be easy and, for many, it is not. But I think most people have a lot to be thankful for and need to take a moment to give thanks.

Alan Elze, Auburn