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In 1980, I was a contractor fresh out of the Navy and working in the basement of the Pentagon. There where about seven of us working the midnight shift on Thanksgiving. All of us where about the same age (26), but only one was married, It was going to be a long night.

We decided to have our own celebration before work in the office break room. I volunteered to bake the Turkey. This turned out to be harder than I thought because I forgot the breadcrumbs for the stuffing. I drove all over the Northern Va area looking for a store that was open on Thanksgiving day. I was just about to give up when I found a Chinese grocer that was open where I was able to buy Stovetop Stuffing.

It was hard not being able to find a store open, but I felt good that everyone seemed to be home with their family the way they should be on Thanksgiving.

Even those of us, keeping the Pentagon operating through the long night, where with friends. It was a night I will long remember.

My point is that Americans should be home on this day and not working bust to make a buck for the big corporations.

"In 1980, I was a contractor fresh out of the Navy and working in the basement of the Pentagon. There where about seven of us working the midnight shift on Thanksgiving. All of us where about the same age (26), but only one was married, It was going to be a long night.

"

My favorite Thanksgiving story happened when I was stationed at Fort Meade in Maryland in 1968. A lot of us were a long way from home and mess hall thanksgivings pretty much bite.

But, some local church decided to invite military guys to the members' homes for Thanksgiving. There was a sign-up sheet in our orderly room in October. I signed up, and got a nice invitation in the mail from a family about 10 miles away, complete with driving instructions and an offer to be picked up if I didn't have a car. I called them and said I'd certainly be there, and thanked them.

Thanksgiving day, I drove to that house,in my Class A's, to find a large, extended family celebrating Thanksgiving. I was welcomed just like a member of the family, and treated to a wonderful meal, good conversation and appreciation for my service. What a great Thanksgiving.

Something to think about for you folks who have an extra seat at your table and a military base nearby. Some young soldier will have the same kind of memories I have of that family. We still exchange cards at Christmas.