Give Thanks
As we get closer to the end of another year, we gratefully pause to wish our clients, business partners, community partners, friends, and associates a warm and happy Thanksgiving. This year has been full of peaks and valleys, twists and turns, tears and high-fives, and big dreams coming true for the team. We continue to push ourselves, learn from what each experience has taught us, and continue to be a benevolent partner as we continue to write more pages in our rich 32-year storybook.
We wanted to touch on remarks made by then-President Barack Obama on Thanksgiving 2015. His words honor those who helped the early settlers in their time of need and how the early settlers faced their overwhelming fears and defied the odds to write the first chapter in the story of our nation.
“In 1620, a small band of pilgrims came to this continent, refugees who had fled persecution and violence in their native land. Nearly 400 years later, we remember their part in the American story — and we honor the men and women who helped them in their time of need.
Thanksgiving is a day for food and football, and for hoping the turkey didn’t turn out too dry. But it’s also a day to count our blessings and give back to others — a reminder that no matter our circumstances, all of us have something to be grateful for. Maybe it’s good health, a new addition to the family, or a child taking the next step toward college or a career. Maybe it’s a new job, or long overdue raise. Maybe it’s something as simple, and as important, as the chance to spend time with the people who matter most.
Of course, every American can be thankful for the chance to live in a country founded on the belief that all of us are created equal. And as President, I’m thankful that I get to see the best of America every day — the courage of our troops and veterans, the resilience of our families, and the basic goodness of the ordinary people who call this country home.
On this uniquely American holiday, we also remember that so much of our greatness comes from our generosity. There’s the generosity of Americans who volunteer at food banks and shelters, making sure that no one goes hungry on a day when so many plates are full. There’s the generosity of Americans who take part not just in Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but Giving Tuesday — recognizing that in the holiday season, what you give is as important as what you get.
Nearly four centuries after the Mayflower set sail, the world is still full of pilgrims — men and women who want nothing more than the chance for a safer, better future for themselves and their families. What makes America America is that we offer that chance. We turn Lady Liberty’s light to the world and widen our circle of concern to say that all God’s children are worthy of our compassion and care. That’s part of what makes this the greatest country on Earth.
And together, may we all play our own small part in the American story, and write a next chapter that future generations can be thankful for.”
May the good things of life be yours in abundance, not only on Thanksgiving but throughout the coming year. May you be surrounded by loved ones and your tables be abundant. On behalf of all of the associates at IDO Incorporated, we appreciate you deeply.
