Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving 2020 will be unlike any other, and I pray we can keep that same spirit of this day, even from afar. Thank you firstly to God for allowing millions to see this day across the country, in a year we never knew what would happen after the month of March!
I’m very excited to report that Zoom will be offering FREE hours for families that cannot be alongside each other during this pandemic. (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360052451852-Free-meetings-on-Thanksgiving-Day)
Every year we all post the turkey dinner table, we snap family pictures and we show people US, how WE celebrate this amazing American tradition. This year, I’d like to dedicate my Thanksgiving to the Them.
Who is the Them? Simply put, the Them are those that have gone before us tragically amidst this pandemic. The dinner table will be somber for households across the country this Thanksgiving. For those who have been fortunate enough not to lose someone to this virus, let’s not forget about the hurting families this Thanksgiving, but enjoy the day alongside them even if it is virtually. I pray families who have lost loved ones due to COVID live this holiday in their memory and carry on their legacy, and still find a way to enjoy this day.
The Them also include our healthcare workers. We always talk about how great it is we banged the pots and pans in honor of our healthcare heroes at 7 P EST across the country working hard to fight this pandemic. Yet, they have yet to (I believe ) have hazard pay for their hard work. I pray these heroes finally do get that pay, and get to feel how truly thankful this nation is for their unrelenting work against COVID-19. At the Thanksgiving Dinner table, you’ll also have COVID success stories because of these amazing nurses and doctors who risk it all each and every day to help those infected. If you’d like to pitch in and show your gratitude, I implore you to check out the Brave of Heart Fund. It’s a fund started up by New York Life and Cigna to support families of healthcare heroes. (https://www.braveofheartfund.com/)
Every year, we also honor our veterans who cannot be home for Thanksgiving. Thank you always to the brave men and women who enter the military and defend our country and what it stands for! When we in America get to have our meal, let’s think of those who cannot be with their families because they are protecting our country ! Something really to be thankful for this year, is that Newsweek acknowledged and noted President Trump is the first President since Jimmy Carter not to enter us into a new conflict. (https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-first-president-since-jimmy-carter-not-enter-us-troops-new-conflict-1549037)
To the NYPD securing our city for a downsized parade, thanks for always keeping our city safe! To Macy’s and the organizers making today’s parade possible, thank you for continuing the entertainment each of have grown up with even during strenuous times. To Broadway, I’m very excited to hear that you will be having a compilation of shows in today’s parade! I feel that New Yorkers stand by you in your efforts to stay alive during the pandemic!
Just because many do stop and honor today, does not mean essential workers get to do the same. If you have to get last-minute food or supplies at your grocery store, give these workers an easy day by simply wearing your mask in the store. By simply saying ‘Thank You’ and showing gratitude that these essential workers have helped keep that local grocery store or retail store open amidst this year.
America, we can do this! We can continue to show our love and support and gratitude on this day for those who have helped make this day possible amidst a pandemic. Say Thank You today and each and every day! Happy Thanksgiving!
The Writings of Alex Garrett 