To all who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Hanukkah! (The first time in over 100 years that the two holidays have overlapped. Enjoy it now because the next time around won’t be for another 79,000 years! 🙂
This year, I am especially thankful for all of the wonderful members who volunteered for a committee (and there’s still time to make me even more thankful! :). I am also thankful for our excellent Executive Board and for their hard work and patience as not just the President but also the Vice-President undergo drastic life changes during the beginning of their term (thanks Board members!). And I am also grateful to all new and returning members for your support and generosity, without which this organization would not be possible.
In the midst of our good fortune, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, including the workers who cannot enjoy a day off with their families, as more and more retail stores stay open on Thanksgiving Day. And remember the ongoing relief efforts in the Philippines, especially as the tragedy seems to recede from the media headlines. Finally, let us not forget our history and the true story behind Thanksgiving, as for many of our Native American brothers and sisters, Thanksgiving is also a National Day of Mourning. (For more about the National Day of Mourning, an annual tradition that began in 1970 when Wamsutta (Frank) James, a Wampanoag, was invited by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to give a speech at an event celebrating the 350th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival, and to learn about the 44th observance, which will be held on Thursday, November 28th at 12pm in Plymouth, MA, please see http://www.uaine.org/)
Thank you and safe travels to all,
Eugenia Beh
2013-2014 APALA President