Help make our troops' Thanksgiving happy

Dear Readers: Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I know you are busy with the hustle and bustle of entertaining, but let's not forget that our young men and women in the military are always in need of encouragement. Most of these dedicated young people are between the ages of 17 and 21 and away from home for the first time. The Department of Defense tells me that messages of support from home are their greatest morale booster.

So if you can spare a moment, go to your computers, type in www.OperationDearAbby.net, and tell our troops you are thankful for their sacrifice and devotion to duty, especially on the day of Thanksgiving. You'll be glad you did it, and so will they. Thank you in advance from them — and from me. Love, — Abby

Dear Abby: My family and I recently went to my brother's home for a family get-together. During our visit, my wife was told that our nephew was being married. Our nephew then announced that he is going to have all those who plan on attending submit a 75-word essay stating why we should be invited. I said, "Why?" My wife and I were appalled.

What do you think of this, Abby? —Appalled in the USA

Dear Appalled: If your nephew is trying to keep his wedding a small and intimate affair, he's doing a great job of it. I have never heard of an essay contest to determine who will be allowed to attend a wedding. (Will those people whose essays don't get a passing grade be excluded?) If I were you, I'd send your nephew and his bride a lovely congratulatory card and skip the "contest."

Dear Abby: Yesterday a young man from a religious sect rang my doorbell and pounded on my door until I opened it. I told him, "Please do not come to my home again. I have a baby and you just woke her up." He replied, "Lady, you are rude." I apologized and explained again about my baby.

My problem, Abby, is this happens all the time. I live in a new subdivision, and religious groups and vacuum cleaner salesmen come to my door several times a week. I have a large "No Soliciting" sign posted by my front door. Have you any suggestions? —Pam B., Houston

Dear Pam: The person who came to your door should have apologized for disturbing you instead of trying to turn you into the bad guy. However, please bear in mind that he could have come to rob you (or worse), and you are under no obligation to open your door to any stranger — and that includes salesmen and religious proselytizers.