"Thanksgiving is a time for volunteering, helping and giving," Gov. Olene S. Walker said in a special Thanksgiving message released this past week.

"Utah, per capita, has the most volunteers of any state in our country," she said. "Many of you will volunteer this holiday season, and many more of you will donate to charities. This is a tribute to our commitment to treat our fellowmen with compassion. It exemplifies our united desire to improve the quality of life for all Utahns. I commend our citizens who give of themselves. Whether by reading with a child, providing foster care, or assisting the elderly, Utahns are finding ways, great and small, to extend a helping hand.

"At this time of year, we pause to give thanks for family, friends and the bounties of life we enjoy," she continued. "I am especially grateful for the men and women of the armed forces and their families, who are making a heroic sacrifice, who are answering the call of duty both at home and abroad. As I've greeted returning troops this year, I have not only met young adults but also parents and grandparents who have sacrificed much to defend our freedoms. I hope we will all be particularly mindful of these heroic citizens this Thanksgiving."

She said perhaps individuals shouldn't ask if they are living the life they were meant to live, but rather discover what is the life they were meant to live.

"Each of us has much to be grateful for this year," she said, "and I urge you to use this wonderful season to reflect, to ponder, to remember and to give. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as your governor, and I vow to continue serving the citizens of this great state until the end of my term.

"May you all share a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving with those you love and continue to discover and live the life you were meant to live."