Most people think about the red-white-and-blue glory of Independence Day as the most vibrant national celebration. But in ways that go far beyond the superficial, it’s Thanksgiving that’s truly the quintessential American holiday.
It’s the symbol of American resilience in the face of struggle. On a historical level, we pay tribute to those with the determination to survive, those Pilgrims who suffered through a harsh New England winter and lived to share a meal with their indigenous neighbors.
On a personal level, it resonates with people for far more intimate reasons than their affection for these iconic figures.
For some it’s a religious observance, with prayers a common preface to the traditional meal. But being thankful is a universal characteristic, in keeping with the full range of religious faiths and embraced by those with no religion at all. That is another of the holiday’s patriotic elements: It belongs to every American, regardless.
Most people have cause to feel thankful, despite their hardship, for some gifts they share with family and friends. Those less fortunate can enjoy a good dinner that holiday generosity shown by charity donors affords them on this special day at least.
Every year the nation comes together, but each Thanksgiving has its own character. This year, for example, some military families in Hawaii and elsewhere, anticipating the final pullout from Iraq, are eagerly anticipating the holidays together after a long separation. Perhaps a family has emerged from a long spate of joblessness; for too many others, Thanksgiving can be simply a day’s respite from such worries.
It’s easy to reflect on the misery in the world — violence and poverty, disease and crime — and find that these ills overwhelm our private household celebrations and can’t be ignored. Not the least of our concerns should be the apparent withering of civility in political conversations and the overall failure of elected officials, particularly those in Congress, to get past their partisan divisions.
Thanksgiving isn’t a day to forget all that but an occasion to let such noise die down so we can remember our most important bonds — and remember where there is true need.
In Hawaii, the reminders of families’ private economic pain are everywhere, with homeless encampments proliferating, shelters straining to meet the need, food banks being tapped to the limit. The social safety net is showing its wear, including the budget-driven decision to winnow the rolls in the federally subsidized medical insurance program for the poor.
For today, Hawaii residents have a chance to reconnect with loved ones and recharge, following a great American tradition. And then, as another economically difficult year draws to a close, the coming weeks should be a time to find ways to extend help in some way to those of more limited means. That’s an American tradition, too.
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
