As much as I look forward to Thanksgiving every year, I always find myself wondering how the holiday season arrived so quickly. It seems like just yesterday we were enjoying the hot summer months, and now the leaves have fallen and the temperatures have cooled. The new year will be upon us before we know it.
I’ve always considered Thanksgiving to be a time to reflect, take a step back, and count life’s many blessings. It’s a day to slow down, enjoy the company of family and friends, and share in the simple joys that make life meaningful. For me, that includes lending a hand to those in need, catching up with loved ones I don’t see often enough, enjoying a good meal, and yes, watching a little football.
This year, I’m especially thankful for the wonderful people in my life and for the residents of this great City we all call home.
It’s no secret that times are challenging. Across the country, families continue to feel the impact of rising costs, economic uncertainty, and the lingering divisions that too often define our national conversations. But here in Hornell, we have so much to be proud of. What truly makes our city special are the people who call it home. It’s the way neighbors support one another, the way volunteers show up for our community, and the way families come together to celebrate what matters most.
What makes Hornell so special is the sense of community that binds us together. We look past differences to see friends, colleagues, and neighbors. We lend a hand when someone’s struggling, we celebrate each other’s successes, and we take pride in the community we continue to build, and we do it together.
So, as we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, let’s all take a moment to reflect on our blessings. Reach out to a friend or neighbor. Let someone know they’re not alone. Take the time to appreciate the moments that matter, relish in the laughter, enjoy the memories, and traditions that bring us together. Let us also remember those who are struggling and do what we can to give them something to be thankful for.
I am deeply grateful for all of you, for your kindness, and your commitment to our community. From my family to yours, I wish you a safe, joyful, and blessed Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Mayor John Buckley
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Taking a moment to reflect on Thanksgiving blessings in Hornell | Opinion
Reporting by John Buckley, Special to The Spectator / The Evening Tribune
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