For the Privilege of Living as Free Men….

One of the most popular television shows in the 1950s was “Father Knows Best.”  With father Jim Anderson (played by Robert Young) as the wise and loving father, mother Margaret (Jane Wyatt) as the voice of reason, and children Betty, Bud and Kathy (Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray and Lauren Chapin), the show epitomized traditional family life.

In a special Thanksgiving episode on November 21, 1954, Jim led his beloved television family in a prayer:

“Oh Lord, we give thee thanks from the depths of our humble hearts for all the blessings thou has seen fit to bestow upon us. We thank thee for the food, which graces our table, the roof, which covers our head.

“We thank thee for the privilege of living as free men in a country which respects our freedom and our personal rights to worship and think and speak as we choose.

“We thank thee for making us a family, for giving us sincerity and understanding.

“But most of all, dear Lord, we thank thee for giving us the greatest gift a family may know–the gift of love for one another. Amen.”

On this Thanksgiving Day, may God shine His love upon you, and may you enjoy the company of family and friends.