In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation officially designating Thanksgiving Day as the fourth Thursday in November. More than two decades later, in 1963, President John F. Kennedy reminded the nation of the holiday’s deeper meaning, writing:
“Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them together, and for the faith which united them with their God.”
Here in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View, we too have much to be thankful for:
• A welcoming community that embraces new neighbors and cherishes lasting friendships
• Seven thriving Los Altos shopping districts: Downtown Triangle, El Camino corridor, Loyola Corners, Rancho Shopping Center, Village Court, Foothill Crossing and Woodland Plaza
• Vibrant areas in Mountain View including Castro Street, San Antonio Center and The Village at San Antonio
• Top-rated schools and dedicated educators
• Active youth sports programs that bring families together
• Service clubs and nonprofit organizations that strengthen our community through generosity and care
• Well-functioning city governments
• Community centers, libraries and neighborhood parks that enrich our daily lives
And, of course, we are grateful for the greatest blessings of all: family, friends and the sense of belonging that binds us together.
As we gather tomorrow, may we each take a moment to Give Thanks – for what we have, for those we love and for the community we share.
