[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 151 (Thursday, November 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE BEST OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2010

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, this Thanksgiving, as we have since the 
first, Americans will set aside one day to focus on those blessings 
that have been granted to us.
  For the roof over our heads, for the health of our families, for the 
food on our plates--no matter how simple the meal--for the hand that 
holds ours as we gather around the table, we will, on this one very 
American day, bow our heads in prayer and we will be truly thankful.
  To me, the best of America is on display at Thanksgiving.
  Here we stand, for example: we Americans, facing difficult times, 
with our economy sluggish, with far too many jobless, and far too many 
others worrying about the future of their own jobs. Yet, many of us 
will invite strangers to our tables, or donate food to shelters, or 
serve up turkey dinners at a local soup kitchen, and we will appreciate 
even more deeply, the grace of God that has spared us similar trials. 
Even many of those who are struggling, whose tables may be leaner than 
usual, will take the time to give of what they have so that others do 
not go hungry on this day.
  Though that generosity, that neighborliness, the kindness, charity, 
and faithfulness come to the fore most prevalently on this one day of 
the year, I know--and all West Virginians know, that these qualities 
live on throughout the year in communities, large and small, urban and 
rural, throughout our State.
  And, I believe that this Nation would be better off if more Americans 
followed the example set in our State and devoted a greater share of 
their year, each year, to practicing the kindness and generosity, as 
well as exercising the grit and determination that comprise the West 
Virginia character.
  I am reminded of our Senator Byrd, who would have marked his 93rd 
birthday on November 20th, and his regular admonishment to West 
Virginians to hold on to those ``old values'' and to tap them for the 
betterment of the Nation. He would have taken to the Senate Floor in 
the days leading up to Thanksgiving to remind us all of our common 
history as Americans. He would have talked about the principles upon 
which this Nation was founded and urged us to set aside those petty 
differences that undermine our quest for the common good.
  Oh, how we could use Senator Byrd's wisdom, his reasonableness, and 
his guidance today.
  Our State has had more than its fair share of economic strife. But we 
hold tight to our faith and we marshal on, working hard side by side, 
to create a better future for ourselves and our children.
  In the wake of natural disasters, West Virginians reach out to their 
neighbors to give whatever they can afford, and often more. It has 
never been the West Virginia way to turn our backs on those in need, 
and it has never been in the character of West Virginians to throw in 
the towel when things get tough.
  So this Thanksgiving, as we pause to reflect on our blessings and to 
express our thanks to our Creator for all that we have, I hope that all 
Americans will also commit to exhibiting the spirit that surfaces on 
this day throughout the year ahead.
  There is no challenge confronting us that we cannot overcome if we 
join forces and put old-fashioned American know-how to work.

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