Search
Polls
Latest Forum Posts
| Taking a Knee unclebuck 15-11-08 13:51 |
| Re:Football unclebuck 07-10-08 15:24 |
| Re:Football unclebuck 02-10-08 12:59 |
Login Form
| OUR VOICE - November 24, 2007 |
|
|
| Written by PI Editorial Staff | |
| Saturday, 24 November 2007 | |
|
Thankfulness might not always flow from our hearts in Pollyanna-like fashion, but it is worthwhile to take time to count our blessings this season, remembering why we have made the West Side our home. A time to count blessings Pilgrims, American Indians and the Mayflower often come to mind when people ponder the history of Thanksgiving. However, there is another aspect of the holiday’s history that is often forgotten. The U.S. was embroiled in bloody civil conflict back in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln officially established the last Thursday of November as “a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.” Amidst one of the most difficult periods in U.S. history, Lincoln proclaimed the year had been “filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies,” saying God should be thanked for blessings such as industry and a sense of order in areas unaffected by the war. Fast forward to 2007, and living conditions seem much improved. Still, this community faces plenty of struggles — a housing foreclosure crisis, problems with gangs, horrific auto accidents and a countywide civil conflict about what to do with a 1,527-acre former naval airfield. Yet we, too, have much for which to be thankful. Time and time again, community members have come together in the midst of tragedy to lend each other support. That was evident following the Patterson High School gang brawl and just about any time a major tragedy strikes this community. There is something unique about Patterson. It’s apparent in the amount of time our community leaders dedicate to local service. That includes City Council members, city commissioners, school board trustees, health care district officials and folks who serve on a whole host of county boards. Then there are the groups such as Patterson Repertory Theatre and the local rocketry group, as well as coaches and volunteers who give their time to provide activities for local residents. Patterson’s clergy and teachers work hard, in part to improve the character of the community. Local merchants and bankers often know customers on a first-name basis, and generally this is a place where neighbors care about one another. Indeed, we have much to be grateful for in 2007. Thankfulness might not always flow from our hearts in Pollyanna-like fashion, but it is worthwhile to take time to count our blessings this season, remembering why we have made the West Side our home. Despite the challenges, we have much to celebrate.
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email This
Hits: 198 Comments
(0)
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed