Happy Thanksgiving to All in East Hartford

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the coming together; friends and family sharing a meal and collectively reflecting on everything we have to be grateful for. I love Thanksgiving because, at its core, it is about being thankful for what we have, and for sharing what we have with our family, our friends and our community.

Sometimes I fear that our gratitude goes unexpressed, that we never take the time to tell our friends and family what they really mean to us. Sometimes I feel that if we were truly open with the people in our lives about how much they mean to us, our world would be a better, friendlier, more civil place.  So as you sit down this year, please take a moment to take stock of the people around you, your friends and family, your reasons to be thankful.  I urge you to share in the community and fellowship that they create, and express your gratitude and appreciation.

I am thankful for many things. I am thankful to live in this great country, to take advantage of its freedoms and its opportunities. I am thankful to live in a country founded on the principles of democracy, of freedom of speech and of association, of equal rights and opportunities, and rule of law. I am thankful that, even in this uncertain world, we can still come together to talk about our differences and develop solutions.

I keep close those who have passed and are absent from our thanksgiving tables, appreciative of their lives, their heritage and their traditions; traditions we continue to celebrate and hold dear. I am thankful for our forefathers who came before us, planting the seeds of our community and our country. And I am especially thankful for the service of individuals, past and present, who are absent due to service across the country or overseas – particularly those who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation

I am thankful for this community, which I have lived in since birth, and which I have had the privilege to serve for many years, and in many capacities. I am thankful for the amazing people who live here and for the many businesses, organizations, and community groups that work hard to make East Hartford great. I am thankful for the many attributes that makes this town special; our fabulous riverfront, our trails and waterways, our beautiful, tree lined streets, and our rich history.

It has been my honor to lead this community as Mayor for these past years, and I am very thankful to have an amazing team of people working for me, people who get up each morning and commit all of their energies to making this community better. They lead a dedicated, hardworking group of town staff who keep East Hartford, safe, beautiful and running smoothly. I am very thankful for their devoted efforts.

Most of all, I am thankful for my family and my friends. My loved ones keep me rooted in this community, humbled and appreciative of all that I have. They remind me of the path we have walked together, the experiences we have shared, and make me idealistic for the future. Their love challenges me to work harder, and strive more fully to serve East Harford.

This year, as we start the holiday season, I encourage you to count your blessings, and tell your family, friends, and neighbor what you are thankful for. Share your gratitude and your hope for the future. I guarantee it will bring you and your family closer together.

Happy Thanksgiving to all in East Hartford!