“Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often.” – Johnny Carson†Johnny Carson was an icon on late-night television, and I still donít think anyone has matched his uncanny dry sense of humor and engaging quips. His facial expressions, alone, along with the mischief in his eyes made me laugh.Many people like to make fun of family and friends gathering around the table for the annual Thanksgiving feast, when everyone from Uncle Joe, who drinks too much whiskey, to cousin Mary Beth, who never eats because she is talking nonstop†and showing photos of her children and grandchildren, has an invitation. Men have always had afternoon football games to excuse themselves ó but women are becoming avid fans of football ó they, too, need an outlet after too much Turkey Day talk with the†once-a-year†guests.†Luckily, I like the majority of my family, and I especially enjoy spending the day with my husband and daughters and now two son-in-laws and a granddaughter ó and I am so grateful for all of them.†November holds a significant place on the 12-month calendar. Besides Thanksgiving, it is election month ó and how thankful are we when months of ìenlighteningî commercials from politicians and special interest groups are finally over.Unfortunately, we have a year to go before we get any relief from the presidential candidate commercials that scorn the opponent and spew nothingness to the people.††Those commercials will be starting way too soon.†Speaking of politics, we thought our front page quote this month was appropriate, given the latest presidential candidate debate Oct. 28. If you watched it, you will understand the meaning.†In November, we also honor our military veterans. Nov. 11 is one day to collectively remember those who serve and protect our country. My brother-in-law is retired U.S. Air Force, and served for†years. Several of my uncles and great uncles†served in the U.S. Army. Seven of my nine great uncles were in the Army at the same time ó my great-grandmother should be honored, too. I can only guess that she must have constantly worried, but all of her sons returned home safely. As we†all know, way too many of our service men and women do not come home.And, as we find out in our front page story, ìVeterans helping veterans,î many of our long-time military service members are booted out without much regard for what they need as a civilian. The writer of that article is Dawn Beaver, new to the NFH†(welcome, Dawn), and she highlights the challenges veterans face when they transition out of the military. Dawn has experience writing for military newspapers and her husband is retired military; she brings a local perspective of the military to†Falcon.†Lindsey Harrison in her article, Veteran riders rally for community,î calls attention to the American Legion Riders, who continue to serve their country by watching over the needs of the community.†So, to the 1.46 million active military service men and women (inside.gov.com), thank you, and thank you to all the families who also have to sacrifice time away from their loved ones. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.†Happy Thanksgiving! See you in December!†– Michelle
