‘Be a blessing this Thanksgiving’

Commonwealth leaders reminded the community yesterday to be grateful as the islands celebrate Thanksgiving today, which also traditionally kicks off the long holiday season in the Northern Marianas.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos asked the community to pause and be thankful for all the blessings that have come their way the past year or two.

“Many of us always wish for things we don’t have, yet never really take a moment to be grateful for what we have. To be thankful is something that many of us always aspire to be, but as much as we aspire we sometimes forget to see the blessings that are already in our lives that give us many reasons to be thankful.”

Inos, who was elected to a fresh four-year term after taking a commanding lead in the runoff election for governor last Nov. 21, said that people shouldn’t forget the true meaning of the Thanksgiving tradition.

“Today, as we gather around a home-cooked meal and take a well-deserved break, we should always be reminded of the reason why this holiday came to be: to give gratitude to all that life has afforded us with. As we celebrate Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday we are truly proud of the generosity, hard work, and talent of our people here in the Commonwealth. They are our inspiration today and give us every reason to be hopeful about the future,” he said.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) echoed Inos’ message when he said that Thanksgiving is a time for people to count their blessings and be grateful for them.

“In that spirit, I am wishing all the people of the Northern Mariana Islands Happy Thanksgiving. During my time with my family, friends and neighbors, it is my hope that I draw renewed inspiration from the strength of the people I serve so that I may return to the Capitol with fresh energy in my effort to expand opportunity and reignite the hopes of our people.”

Sablan, who was re-elected to a fourth term in Congress in the Nov. 4 general elections, also asked the island community not to forget the country’s servicemen and servicewomen as they sit down for a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner tonight.

“And as we enjoy our own traditions of the day, may we also remember our dedicated service members, veterans, and our military families; we are grateful for their sacrifice and commitment to keeping our America safe.”

Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider, who will be returning to the Senate in January 2015, said Thanksgiving is always that time of year where everyone is reminded to be thankful for what life has brought.

“We give thanks for all the blessings that have afforded to us, such as the warmth and love of family and friends. We give thanks to those who make a difference in our lives: the people who keep our islands running, our educators, and those who sacrifice their time with their loved ones so they can keep us safe and sound. But as we reflect on the blessings we’ve enjoy, let us also not forget those less fortunate than us this time of year. Use this day as a time for giving them something to be thankful for, the feeling of knowing that someone cares. That is what makes this holiday and its origins so special.”