A Season for Reflection
Thanksgiving gives us all a much needed chance to enjoy time with family, catch up with old friends and count
our blessings in a time of great challenge.
The tragic events of September 11th give us even more reason to spend a few moments this year
contemplating America’s purpose as a nation and a community. There is little doubt that we are more united -
from terrible tragedy we have become stronger.
Over three hundred years ago, a group of settlers gathered to proclaim their survival and hope for a better life
in an untamed land. They knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but they were determined to create a
free and prosperous life for their families.
This year should be no different. Like those settlers, we are reassessing the threats to our freedom and
reevaluating our priorities. We are taking greater pride in the land we have built and have a deeper respect for
the freedoms we enjoy. America’s renewed national resolve has been translated into action. The President
and our armed forces are waging a careful, effective campaign against terror. We have watched the
long-suffering Afghani people laugh out loud or listen to music for the first time in years. We have heard the
heartbreaking stories of unthinkable torture and cruelty that kept a people oppressed for so long.
America has much for which to be thankful. We have a dedicated military whose bravery and professionalism
is second to none, leaders committed to justice, and a people who know what is right.
We can all take a moment to express our gratitude for these blessings - write a letter to one of our young
military men or women stationed overseas to thank them for their service in defense of our freedom, or
volunteer at a shelter and offer thoughts and prayers for those less fortunate. Through small acts of kindness
and generosity, we will continue to prove the greatness of America. Happy Holidays.
