Blessings and challenges abound on Thanksgiving in the nation and Valley

As American citizens, as residents of the Mahoning Valley and as members of proud families, Thanksgiving Day 2018 affords all an opportune time to reflect on the blessings and bounties bestowed upon us over the past year.

As we gather today around tables to reunite with loved ones and feast upon succulent turkey with all the tasty trimmings, it is instructive to recall the foundation of the tradition 397 years ago. At that first Thanksgiving in Plymouth Colony, Pilgrims and the indigenous Native American Wampanoag tribe sat down together in a spirit of peace and acceptance of diversity to celebrate their collective bountiful harvest and good fortune.

But in 1621, just as in 2018, not all of this nation’s people had a seat at the table of plenty. Then, as now, hardships, poverty, disease and famine ran rampant.

And today, just as in 17th century Plymouth, the duality of this holiday remains stark. While many Americans rejoice with heaping helpings of reasons to give thanks, many others scrimp, scrape and struggle just to survive another day.

To be sure, however, most of us have more than ample reasons to give thanks on this national holiday.

Economic recovery

As Americans, over the past 12 months, our economy made noticeable sharp turns toward levels of prosperity unseen in decades. Our nation has wound down a 17-year-long war on terror in Afghanistan with only about 14,000 soldiers out of a one-time high of 100,000 American troops there. And our 242-year-old experiment in democracy has survived and risen above oftentimes bruising, divisive and mean-spirited political discourse during the most recent midterm elections.

As Mahoning Valley residents, we have seen signs of collective improvement as well. Over the past year, for example, the Valley has continued to expand and diversify its economic base, most notably through the opening of a $1 billion natural-gas powered electrical generating plant and plans firmly gelling for a 1,000-job distribution center for TJX Industries’ Home Goods stores. Traditional manufacturing industries, such as Vallourec Star, also have witnessed notable employment growth.

In addition, as individuals and family members, we have many good old reliable reasons to give thanks to our loved ones who have supported us, nurtured us and stuck by us through hardship and happiness.

Yet amid the optimism at the start of the season of joy, lingering signs of adversity endure. Many will not take a seat in the Norman Rockwell tableau of Thanksgiving Day abundance today because hardship takes no holiday.

Throughout the Valley, the continued decline in the fortunes of and employment at the mammoth General Motors Lordstown Complex leave many here unsettled. Unemployment at 7.4 percent in Youngstown ranks highest in the state and double the national average. More broadly, about 40,000 children and their families struggle daily with life in poverty.

A time for giving

That is why the “giving” aspect of Thanksgiving continues to demand special attention and action today and throughout the holiday season. Opportunities abound in our community to do so. Contribute to “Project: Feed Our Valley” led by our broadcast partner 21 WFMJ-TV to ensure the ongoing needs of Second Harvest are met. Volunteer time to any of the Valley’s army of helping agencies. Help the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. in its successful fight against blight by volunteering your time and elbow grease to its difference-making neighborhood improvement projects. Drop your spare change into the iconic red kettles alongside the selfless Salvation Army bell-ringers at local merchants.

In his 2018 Thanksgiving Day Proclamation for America, President Donald J. Trump captures the essence of this holiday: “In the spirit of generosity and compassion, let us joyfully reach out in word and deed, and share our time and resources throughout our communities. Let us also find ways to give to the less fortunate whether it be in the form of sharing a hearty meal, extending a helping hand, or providing words of encouragement.”

That appeal is one all Americans should take to heart today and throughout the holiday season.