A sense of yuletide spirit came a little early this year to a bustling RV Sales of Broward parking lot in Davie, Florida. Tuesday morning, at 11:00 AM Gigi Stetler of RV Sales of Broward teamed up with Dan Marino’s RV Advisor to give away turkeys to veterans and active military members. Amid the palm trees and coconuts, “Team Turkey” appeared to be the closest thing to Santa this side of the North Pole.

Both veteran and active military members arrived at the parking lot at 11:00 AM sharp — men and women, old and young.

With the holiday being Thanksgiving, each soldier was asked what they were thankful for. Larry Polk of the Air Force, answered one word right away, “America.”

Paul Steszewski and Vincent Miller, both of the Air Force, answered “Life.”

When Marine Corps veteran, James Dean was asked for what he was thankful for, he solemnly removed his hat from his head. “I am thankful for this turkey. I’m also very grateful for my family.”

Thanksgiving means different things to different people. To most, the holiday means indulging on great food, four day weekends, football and possibly even a Saved by the Bell marathon. About four hundred years ago though, when the pilgrims and Indians gathered for the first Thanksgiving, the holiday spirit was about uniting in observance of gratitude.

Fast forward to today and America is quite a different place. However, Americans are still the same. This time of year, we continue to recognize the people and things we are most thankful for. Gigi Stetler of RV Sales of Broward expressed her appreciation we all have for the military, during the turkey giveaway. “I know a lot of people love Thanksgiving — me included,” said Stetler. “The simple gratitude and sense of sharing with loved ones makes it a truly special holiday.

We consider it an honor to reach out and share in this spirit. That’s why we’re giving out turkeys to our brothers and sisters in the armed forces, both active and veterans.”