A public service announcement in the Nov. 21, 1974, issue of the Park Labrea News highlighted the Thanksgiving holiday and its origins in the United States. The accompanying text read, “In the Mayflower Compact, we see the early flowering democracy in America. As we observe Thanksgiving Day – yet another legacy from our Pilgrim forefathers – we can indeed be thankful for our proud heritage, for our American way of life, for freedom and its blessings. Let us then be humbly grateful, and let us reaffirm our faith in freedom, with our determination to preserve and cherish it, forevermore.” Whether celebrating with family, friends or volunteering to serve the less fortunate, the staff of the Beverly Press and Park Larea News wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Please enjoy Chris Erskine’s Thanksgiving column on page 14.