A Thanksgiving of Service and Gratitude

“To all our veterans—past, present, and those who live on in our hearts—this Thanksgiving, we give thanks for you. May your legacy remind us always to cherish freedom, to honor service, and to live each day with gratitude.”

As Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the enduring spirit of service, sacrifice, and togetherness that binds our nation’s veterans, both past and present. This sacred holiday, with its traditions of gathering, gratitude, and shared meals, reminds us of the values for which so many have fought and sacrificed.

Imagine a small mess hall on a remote island in the Pacific during the Enewetak Atoll cleanup mission.

The year is 1978, and the air is thick with heat, hard work, and determination. Veterans from all branches of service—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines—sit together at a long, makeshift table. It’s Thanksgiving, and though far from home, they find comfort in each other’s company. The meal might not be as grand as the feasts they’d known with their families, but the camaraderie fills the void. For these servicemen and women, Thanksgiving isn’t about the food on the table—it’s about the gratitude in their hearts.

Across time and place, this scene has repeated itself in countless ways. From cold trenches during World War II to dusty camps in the Middle East, to the quiet of a VA hospital, veterans have always found a way to honor Thanksgiving. Sometimes, the day is marked by a humble meal shared with brothers and sisters in arms; other times, it’s a moment of silent reflection on what has been gained and lost.

For many veterans, Thanksgiving is also a time to remember those who didn’t make it home—the brothers and sisters who gave their lives in service. Their absence is keenly felt but honored with every toast raised, every prayer whispered, and every memory shared. It is their sacrifices that remind us of the sanctity of the freedoms we hold dear.

Back at home, we gather around our tables with friends and family, enjoying the abundance of peace and comfort that their sacrifices have secured. Yet, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without remembering those who serve and have served. It’s a time to reach out, to thank them, and to ensure they know they are never forgotten—whether they are here with us or have become part of the living history that shapes our nation.

This Thanksgiving, as we carve the turkey, laugh with loved ones, and share stories, let us carry the spirit of our veterans with us. Let us honor the living veterans who continue to stand strong, and the memory of those who have passed. May their resilience inspire us, their sacrifices humble us, and their camaraderie remind us of the strength found in unity.

"As we gather this Thanksgiving, let us honor the sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve, ensuring our freedom and peace. May we carry forward the values of gratitude, unity, and resilience, holding close the bonds of family, friendship, and community. This season, let our hearts be filled with thankfulness for their dedication, and may we strive to reflect their spirit of service in our own lives. Together, in remembrance and hope, we celebrate the blessings of freedom and the strength of our nation."