NASHUA, N.H., 23 Nov. 2006. Today is Thanksgiving, and it's the day we set aside especially to consider our blessings and privileges. For many of us, today means a big turkey dinner, football, and an afternoon nap. For others, getting through today won't be that easy.
First, I think we should consider our men and women in uniform. Some of them are serving in dangerous places overseas -- places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and on aircraft carrier flight decks in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Others are away from home for their first Thanksgivings. They will spend the holiday not with familiar friends and family, but instead with new comrades in mess halls at Fort Campbell, Camp Lejeune, San Diego Naval Base, Luke Air Force Base, and at so many other military installations here and around the world.
I think we also should consider the countless older folks who are spending Thanksgiving the best they can in nursing homes and assisted-living communities, where the holiday just isn't the way it used to be.
Please, by all means, enjoy your turkey dinners, naps, and football games today. That's what this holiday is all about, after all. But we ask you please, just take a minute during your day for a bit of quiet reflection. Remember how good you got it, and remember those who have sacrificed, and sacrifice today, to help us enjoy today's blessings.
We at Military & Aerospace Electronics would like to wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving.
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
