Thanksgiving Letters to the Editor | Nov. 28, 2024

The Inquirer asked readers whether and why they were feeling thankful this year. Here are some of your responses.

On this Thanksgiving Day, despite political turmoil and divisiveness in this country and ongoing war abroad, I think that most of us, and certainly myself, have much to be thankful for. I am very thankful for some of the basic things we need to feel comfortable and secure. I am thankful for the roof over my head, the abundant food on my table, and a safe and welcoming community to reside in. But far above all else, I am deeply thankful I have a close, supportive, and loving family. As we gather this Thanksgiving Day, as we do every Thanksgiving, I am reminded of just how thankful and grateful I am to have them as an important and irreplaceable part of my life.

Ken Derow, Swarthmore

I am thankful this year for the little things that make everyday life worth living. I am thankful for my ability to meet the daily challenges I face and the small accomplishments I achieve each day.

I am thankful for all the musicians, artists, historians, and writers, past and present, who continue to bring enjoyment, truth, and beauty to the world. I am thankful, especially this year, for the scientists of the world, who are perhaps the last best hope as global warming worsens.

I am thankful for the people I encounter daily who make life enjoyable. I am thankful for respectful neighbors and helpful strangers. I am thankful for the public officials, professionals, service staff, and workers who will keep the country running in these fractious and trying times.

I am thankful for caring friends and family who are supportive and generous with their time and are there when I need them.

I am thankful that these trying times will pass. I am thankful, as I look to the future, for the younger generation that will do better at meeting the challenges of tomorrow and are willing to live in a diverse society and practice the Christian values of charity, tolerance, and mercy that seem lacking these days for many Americans.

George Magakis Jr., Norristown

I am thankful for the millions who refuse to be constrained by knee-jerk categories. The ones who are there, rich with common sense and concern for others, asking for no thanks, recognition, or acclaim, but when the hurricane comes — in whatever its form or expression, in ways that are the story of America’s endurance — they find each other, determined to either save or restore what is precious.

This group understands that in every human catastrophe, before there can be clarity of direction, we must be brave enough to recognize what went wrong and why — regardless of how unsettling. Something “we the people” can reveal far better than polls. I am grateful that in our city, unlike in Washington and Los Angeles where presidential endorsements were not allowed by newspaper owners, we have The Inquirer committed to this process. Devoted to the well-being and endurance of our proud, historic, complex city — where owners, reporters, and columnists pinpoint truths, regardless of the stony paths they necessitate.

SaraKay Smullens, Philadelphia

Unhappily, I’m truly searching for the gift of thankfulness in a year that’s been fraught with deep concerns. Concerns for my country, for people who struggle with deprivation and loss, and for the present and future wellness of nature and humanity worldwide. Yet, there is nothing I can do that will significantly alter the arc of those concerns. So I hold true, profound gratitude for the eight decades of my fortunate life, the ancestry that gave me this life, my children and grandchildren who are strong, resilient, generous, and good people, my very small circle of dear friends (having more is overrated), and the hope I carry in my heart, mind, and soul for all the tomorrows.

Jacqueline Poppalardo, Voorhees

I am thankful for the plentiful resilience I have acquired over my lifetime, which has once again seen me through yet another unsettling year. No matter what the threat is, I have my faith, friends, family, and a ready sense of humor enabling me to prevail. Like so many others, I have been challenged with unemployment, the loss of beloved brothers to suicide and cancer, and a longing for meaningful companionship. But rising each morning (a blessing in itself), a sense of hope, joy, and Crazy Daisy needing her first walk of the day permeate my soul and present a fresh start to secure that new opportunity, meet that good man, get that novel published, and celebrate growing up as an empowered, grateful, and daring American woman.

Mary Kay Owen, Downingtown

Like all Americans, I’m thankful for having family and friends, good health, and sufficient food, clothing, and shelter. I’m also thankful to be an American.

I didn’t vote for Donald Trump and JD Vance, but I appreciate the freedom to freely criticize them, much as I lambasted Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. That same First Amendment freedom allowed me to attend mass rallies in New York, Washington, and Philadelphia for causes in which I believe. Likewise, I cherish the freedom that Americans can worship or not worship in whatever manner they choose.

I’m thankful when American leaders acknowledge past mistakes. In June, the Army upgraded the medal earned by Philadelphian Waverly B. Woodson Jr., a Black hero of Omaha Beach fame, from a Bronze Star to a Distinguished Service Cross. I am thankful Philadelphia honored him with a street renaming.

Secondly, in July, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro reversed the 1944 mutiny convictions of 256 Black sailors and posthumously awarded them honorable discharges. After producing The Port Chicago Mutiny, an award-winning 1999 documentary, I’ve been fighting for the last 25 years to get those convictions reversed.

Most of all, I’m thankful to live in the United States, the freest country on Earth.

Paul L. Newman, Merion Station

Although the results of the recent presidential election were extremely disappointing to me, and it was difficult to face another day, I am consistently reminded that life is short and all of us should be thankful that we live in a country that still has significant freedoms. The sun will continue to rise each day, the birds will sing, and the stars will shine. Several of my friends are battling cancer and chronic pain daily, but still look forward to the future. It is important to keep focused with a fresh perspective on life’s journey. I remain optimistic that we will survive four additional years of another Trump administration. What other choice do we have? We cannot succumb to the depths of depression and anxiety. I plan to put one foot in front of the other each day with the hope that unity and peace will prevail. Let us give thanks that we still live in a free society.

Carol A. Pasquarello, Philadelphia

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 200 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online.