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Politicians across Nebraska, Iowa issue Thanksgiving remarks

By: KMTV Staff

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Politicians across Nebraska and Iowa have issued remarks to commemorate Thanksgiving. View their messages below.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts

“Thanksgiving is a time for us to express gratitude to our Creator and to one another for the many blessings we have received. This year, we are especially grateful for our healthcare workers and military servicemen and women. Nurses, doctors, hospital staff, and public health leaders are on the front lines working long hours to help Nebraskans stay healthy during the pandemic. For our military members on deployment, we pray for a successful mission and safe return home. Their sacrifices keep our Republic free and allow us to enjoy the holidays in peace. We give thanks for these great Nebraskans and for many others who are working every day to make our state a better place.

“Susanne, the kids, and I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving weekend. As you celebrate, please keep family gatherings small and avoid crowded places, close contacts, and confined spaces. We want everyone to stay healthy as they enjoy the holiday.”

Rep. Don Bacon

“On this Thanksgiving, I reflect on the many blessings and freedoms we have today, and praise God that we live in the greatest country in the world. While this year’s Thanksgiving may look different compared to previous holidays, one thing remains true: no matter where you reside or who you are with, our family, faith, and freedoms remain intact.

“This holiday is special to me and my family, as it is for many Americans. Thanksgiving was my mom’s favorite holiday of the year. She loved to cook the traditional Thanksgiving meal and also enjoyed adding some of our favorite Hungarian dishes. For the fruit portion she would put together pears, pineapples, and cherries in a way that each small plate looked like a turkey. All the kids and grandkids loved that. Even though she passed away 15 years ago, her spirit remains strong within our household. We will always miss her and continue to celebrate her traditions.

“Every year, I look to the words of President Abraham Lincoln when he gave his 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation. He recognized a torn nation due to civil war and was quick to acknowledge the “blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies,” and recognized that those blessings were “gracious gifts of the Most High God.” President Lincoln encouraged us to turn to our faith, despite the many trials and tribulations that come our way. These timeless words, spoken 157 years ago by one of our nation’s greatest leaders, still ring true today.

“On this day, and every day, I thank our nation’s law enforcement, first responders, and military. We salute them for defending our nation and sacrificing their time with their loved ones in order to protect, care for, and serve ours. It is because of them that we live in this great country that values freedom, opportunity, and equality under the law.

“I also thank our medical professionals in Nebraska and across the United States who are working day and night, and who are constantly on the frontlines of this global pandemic. They continue to answer the call to care for the injured and sick, and for that we owe them a debt of gratitude. It is my hope that we remain cautiously optimistic as new medical developments arise.

“As always, my prayers are with you and your families. I am thankful to have the opportunity to represent you. I wish you all a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.”

Sen. Ben Sasse

"This has been a gut punch of a year, but even in the middle of this nasty virus America has much to be thankful for. Especially in times of struggle and anxiety, it’s important to take stock of our blessings — after all, President Lincoln established a national day of Thanksgiving when the Civil War was in full swing. This year, in the face of real health and economic hardship, Americans are grateful for the workers who have kept shelves stocked and lines moving, grateful for the doctors and nurses who have cared for the sick, and grateful for the Americans who have done what Americans always do — lend their neighbors a helping hand.

We are blessed to live here — in this free country with a Constitution that preserves liberty through upheaval — and now — in this time of unparalleled opportunity. Let’s commit ourselves to the hard work of choosing gratitude over grievance and building stronger communities for our kids and grandkids.

Melissa and I thank God for His continued providence, ask for His blessing on all those suffering and all those searching for a cure, and pray that He sheds His grace on our nation."

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert

This year, our holiday celebrations will be different, but the real meaning of the season won’t change. Thanks and giving are always in season. We all have someone or something to be thankful for.

Today, let’s remember the traditions that make Thanksgiving a day to share our blessings.

Let’s also remember health care workers and first responders, working today and every day to keep our community safe. Let’s remember those who have lost loved ones, lost jobs, or perhaps lost hope.

Let’s give more generously,Pray more often,Practice kindness,Sing a little louder,Celebrate safely,And share the spirit of the season.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving

Sen. Chuck Grassley