Thanksgiving Reflections

The post below is attributed to Senator Bob Bennett, Utah – R.  It was forwarded to us and we have posted it post Thanksgiving.   If the source isn’t correct, we are happy to correct it.

I was reminded recently of an experience I had several years ago which I wrote about for the Ogden Standard Examiner. I still believe in the message, and I thought it would be appropriate to share this again with you.

Shortly after I was first elected to the Senate, I was privileged to attend the Fifth Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake. The evening included a greeting from President Gordon B. Hinckley of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and scriptural readings from the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Koran, the Book of Mormon and other sacred works. The highlight, however, of this inspirational evening was the message delivered by Rabbi Fred Wenger of the Congregation Kol Ami.

Rabbi Wenger focused his remarks on two things we traditionally attach to our idea of this holiday called Thanksgiving: family and food. However, the Rabbi spoke of a food quite different from the turkey, stuffing, yams and fresh cranberry sauce which come quickly to mind on mention of this day. The sustenance of which the Rabbi spoke is the nourishment available to all of us through the unity of a nation, the goodness of its people and the strength of its families. As those blessed to live in this country, this is the real food on which we feast.

I was moved by Rabbi Wenger’s remarks and reminded again that Thanksgiving truly is a uniquely American holiday. It also is the only national holiday which, while centered on giving praise and thanks to God, is not rooted in a specific religious affiliation or denomination. In our desire to acknowledge God as the source of all good things, and giver of the necessities which sustain life, we transcend ecclesiastical barriers and unite as a nation to give praise and gratitude for that which we have.

Thanksgiving also continues to hold a place different and apart from other national holidays. It remains, for the most part, free from many of the secular, commercial trappings which have come to define so many other annual celebrations — the wearing of Easter fineries, the purchasing of fancy Christmas gifts, or the carving of bright jack-o-lanterns. It has escaped attempts by many to cash-in commercially on its historic significance as the oldest American holiday. It is as if we recognize that giving thanks, in and of itself, is reward enough.

Following Rabbi Wenger’s remarks, as I left the warmth of the Tabernacle and stepped out into the cold, crisp night, I realized I had something else for which to be thankful. While mingling in the warm spirit of those in attendance, Utahns of all ethnic and religious persuasions, I realized what a unifying and healing holiday Thanksgiving has become. To the long list of things for which I give thanks, I am happy to add this new perspective.

My hope during this season is that we may all renew our dedication to these ideals and remain mindful of them throughout the year — that we can be fed and sustained both by our diversity and our unity, that the vessel can and should be filled with our love for each other. May peace and happiness be with you and yours on this significant day.