1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs us to, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It’s a guideline to follow through the seasons, but at about this time of year, the reasons why we’re thankful come closer to the surface. Most of us are able to enjoy a day or two off work, take a break from our everyday obligations, and gather around dinner tables to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with our loved ones. It’s easier to recall all we have to be grateful for in times of rest. So I’ve been thinking about why I’m thankful, specifically, for Alabama.
Here are five reasons why:
1. It’s my home. I feel blessed to have been raised in L.A. -- Lower Alabama. As the daughter of a cattle farmer in Wilcox County, I learned how to work hard. Rural living will teach you that. My parents taught me to have a strong work ethic, aspire to great things, dream big, and serve others. I got my feet wet in what it means to be a public servant where the Alabama River runs through. My values and principles trace back to my home and for that, I am thankful.
2. Alabamians are giving people. Alabama may not be the richest state, but our citizens are some of the most charitable. Proportionate to their income, Alabamians outgive almost every other state in the country. During the holiday season, charitable contributions ramp up, but our giving spirit is evident year-round. In times of need, Alabamians are always willing to help their neighbors and for that, I am thankful.
3. Our commitment to military runs deep. Whether through personal service in the military or civilians supporting our troops, Alabamians are historically patriotic and it’s not limited to only a handful of holidays a year. Our military men and women have a reputation within military circles as who you call to get the job done. A World War I General is recorded saying, “In time of war, send me all the Alabamians you can get!” To live in a state where men and women are willing to serve their country and their service is revered, I am thankful.
4. No one builds like Alabama. When NASA looked to launch astronauts to space and build the next generation rocket, Alabama won the contracts. United Launch Alliance in Decatur is building the engine to power the next space taxi to the International Space Station and the Space Launch System that will propel us into deep space is currently under development in Huntsville. When the Navy contracted the construction of Littoral Combat Ships, they selected the Mobile shipbuilding company, Austal. I recently attended the christening of the USS Montgomery, the eighth LCS to be completed by Austal. The LCS is a formidable defender of the sea, an integral part of the overall strategy to protect the homeland, and it’s Made in Alabama. On the automotive manufacturing front -- 20 years ago, Alabama didn’t make a single vehicle. Today, automobiles are Alabama’s number one export and we rank fourth in the nation for vehicle exports. While manufacturing has declined in most states, it remains king in Alabama and the world notices. We have the ingenuity and grit to build our own and for that, I am thankful.
5. You have entrusted me to serve. It is my greatest honor and privilege to serve the people of the state I love. As Lieutenant Governor, I’ve had the opportunity to lead the Military Stability Commission, Alabama’s first coordinated, statewide approach to protecting and strengthening our military assets. MSC is protecting jobs and promoting growth by bracing for any potential cuts or changes due to the Base Realignment and Closure process, sequestration, or other realignments that could negatively impact Alabama communities. By serving on the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP) Advisory Committee, I was honored to play a role in selecting road and bridge projects so every county in Alabama could benefit from the state’s largest infrastructure improvement program in history. Through End Child Hunger in Alabama, for which I serve as the spokesperson, thousands more children are ensured meals on weekends and when school is out for summer. 2014 was an especially big year for End Child Hunger in Alabama as it picked up support from the Jason Dufner Charitable Foundation and Auburn University Athletics, and I believe this is only the beginning of a major movement. And as President of the Senate, I’ve had the privilege of presiding over the Senate through four Legislative Sessions that I believe have been the most successful in history. For so many years in Montgomery, the status quo was accepted. New leadership elected in 2010 abandoned “business as usual” and implemented positive change for people and business in Alabama to thrive. In a new term, I’ll continue putting Alabamians first and working to improve our quality of life and economy. You have entrusted me with another four years and for that, I am thankful.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Lieutenant Governor. I hope you enjoy a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
By Kay Ivey
