The Blessing of Thanksgiving
A big roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, fresh rolls and pumpkin pie – just thinking about the menu causes my mouth to water in anticipation. But, like most Americans, the thought of the traditional Thanksgiving Day feast also warms my heart with memories of holidays spent with family and friends.
Thanksgiving is truly a special occasion. As we gather around the table, we strengthen bonds with those we love and, often, make a place for those with nowhere else to go. The spirit of Thanksgiving is one of appreciation and a willingness to share. On this day, we recognize that we are truly blessed. Like the Pilgrims and Indians who gathered together in 1621, we move past the hardships in our lives, put aside whatever differences we may have and welcome each other with open arms.
The Thanksgiving holiday means different things to different people. For some, the time spent with loved ones makes it special. For others, there are parades and fall decorations. Still others enjoy a full day of NFL football. Increasingly, many Americans look forward to the day after Thanksgiving as the start of the Christmas shopping season.
No matter what Thanksgiving traditions your family follows, the meal is likely the highlight of the day. Historically, Thanksgiving was a harvest festival and a bountiful table in celebration of God’s blessings has always been an essential part of the holiday. Football aside, the food is the star of the show on Thanksgiving.
The American Turkey Federation tells us that Americans will eat 45 million turkeys on Thanksgiving – or about 20 percent of the turkeys raised in the United States each year. Nearly 90 percent of Thanksgiving dinners will include turkey. That’s welcome news in Missouri, the nation’s No. 5 turkey producer.
The bird is just the beginning, though. There are sweet potatoes from North Carolina, green beans and cranberries from Wisconsin and pies filled with pumpkins grown in Illinois. Thanksgiving is truly a nationwide feast, with food grown and raised across America filling our plates.
These days, Americans are far removed from the source of their food. Less than 2 percent of the U.S. population farms. Today’s farms are larger and produce more food than ever before, with each U.S. farmer feeding 166 people here and abroad. But while the responsibility for feeding the world falls on fewer and fewer farmers, the money consumers spend continues to be spread far and wide. Less than 14 cents of every food dollar goes to the actual farmer.
As you reflect on your blessings this Thanksgiving, take a moment to thank America’s farmers. We’ve watched industries rise and fall, but the American farmer continues to feed the world. Farmers have had a tough year, enduring harsh weather and all manner of economic challenges beyond their control. Let’s all keep them in our prayers as we bow our heads and bless the bounty we enjoy.
I hope everyone has a happy and joyous Thanksgiving. May your turkey be perfect and all the fixin’s delicious. If you’ve got a favorite team in the big game, I hope they win. Most of all, I hope you can look back on the past year with a grateful heart and give thanks for all the blessings you’ve received.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.