While Thanksgiving is always a special time to look back on the year and think about what we’re grateful for, counting our blessings this year it is especially important. It is no secret that this year has not been easy for Missouri, the U.S., and the entire world. Coronavirus has affected many areas of life from our health to our jobs to our schools to everyday life. But through this trying time, we have witnessed humanity and generosity of spirit like we have never seen. Communities have come together to rally behind and support one another and for that I am truly thankful.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year for many reasons and this year is no exception. Jackie and I spend the day surrounded by our children and grandchildren watching football, cooking and continuing our family traditions with the ones we hold most dear. I count myself extremely lucky to have such a loving family and always use Thanksgiving as a time to remind them of how grateful I feel to have them. And who can resist a holiday dedicated to eating delicious homecooked food all day long.
Throughout 2020, our nation has been through peaks and valleys, but we continue to show the world how extraordinarily resilient America truly is. This year, I am especially thankful to live in a place where no matter how difficult things get, America always bounces back. Thanks to Operation Warp Speed, three promising vaccines have developed – something that normally takes years – in just a matter of months and our economy continues to come back allowing our workforce to support their families and pay the bills.
If 2020 has taught us one thing, it is that life is precious, and we should enjoy every day we have with the most important people in our lives. And while we of course celebrate Thanksgiving every November, it is important to remember this is also National Veterans and Military Families Month. While most of us count on getting together with family and friends to gather round the table and give thanks each year, let us not forget that many our servicemembers and their families will go without seeing each other during this holiday season as our military continues to keep us safe. It is because of them that we are able to celebrate Thanksgiving in freedom and we are forever grateful for their service.
On behalf of my family, I wish you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
CONTACT US: As always, for those of you with Internet access, I encourage you to visit my official website. For those without access to the Internet, I encourage you to call my offices in Jefferson City (573-635-7232) Washington, Mo. (636-239-2276), or Wentzville (636-327-7055) with your questions and concerns. If you want even greater access to what I am working on, please visit my YouTube site, Facebook page, and keep up-to-date with Twitter and Instagram.