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Things to be Thankful For
Posted 11-20-2001
With all that has taken place in this country since September 11th, it is
very easy to be consumed with our problems and forget, at the Thanksgiving
holiday, that we still can be thankful for so many things. With the holiday
here, perhaps some reflections about the many good things we have will lift
spirits.
Let's start with where we
live and this county's rich heritage. We should be appreciative and proud of
the pioneer spirit and determination of the early settlers of Westmoreland
County. Not only was our county a primary and critical battleground in the
War for Empire, but also the independent spirit of the signers of the
Hannastown Resolves really laid the groundwork for the Declaration of
Independence.
As our county developed, we
should be thankful that the hardworking attitude of so many people allowed
it to be an economic engine for agriculture, mining, and steel and glass
manufacturing. That history of backbreaking work brought so many of our
families here. We should be appreciative that our local economy has
diversified and has afforded us many quality employment opportunities.
In modern times, we should be
thankful for our safe communities, quality schools, and the melting pot of
different ethnic, racial, and religious groups that, for the most part, live
in harmony. We have a county and a region that is pretty safe. In light of
the events of September 11th, we can also be thankful that we aren't a prime
target for international terrorism. Even though the crash in Somerset County
touched us closely, our area certainly wasn't a target.
While congestion and sprawl
are growing concerns, we still have tremendous natural beauty in our county.
The Laurel Highlands are absolutely beautiful in a different way each season
of the year. Our lakes, rolling hills, and wooded areas still provide a
wonderful balance to the higher growth areas. We often take these things for
granted. But go visit other parts of the country, and I think you'll better
appreciate what we have here.
Thanksgiving is always one of
my favorite holidays. A great part of that comes from eating turkey and
watching football. It doesn't get much better than that. But this year,
perhaps because of all that has happened, I hope everyone will take some
time to think, not about what they don't have, but the good things we do
have. I'm very conscious that not everyone enjoys the same material comforts
and even the same opportunities for companionship, but there must be
something positive on which to reflect. If nothing else, reflect upon how
this nation has transformed itself from agrarian colonies of the British
Empire to the most open and free country on earth.
Even with all our flaws, I'm
thankful that my grandparents had the courage, the sense of adventure, and
the quest for a new and better life to make that trek across the ocean to
build their lives and families here. It is our openness and freedom that
perhaps makes us vulnerable to events like those of September 11th. But, I
hope we never accept changes to those freedoms. I'm thankful that we live in
a nation where we can have open and frank discourse about important issues,
where even though the playing field isn't always as level as it should be,
all people regardless of race, religion, or gender, can get an education and
become productive citizens. Things aren't perfect for any of us, but this
year at Thanksgiving, let's be thankful for all that we have. |
