Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Happy Thanksgiving, Nebraska!

As Nebraskans, we’re blessed to live in the greatest state in the greatest country in the history of the world.  Thanksgiving provides us an opportunity to come together with those we love.  We remember how fortunate we are.  We express gratitude for the blessings of the last year.  We also reflect on the values and principles that guide us.

As I travel our state, I’m constantly reminded of why Nebraska is special.  Nebraskans are honest, honorable people.  We’re committed to hard work.  We value faith, family, and freedom.  We take pride in doing what’s right.  It’s the Nebraska way.

From South Sioux City to Scottsbluff, I see people living out those values every day.  Whether it’s helping during a flood or rebuilding after a tornado. It could also mean contributing to local charities. No matter the task, Nebraskans always lend a hand to those in need.  Many families’ Thanksgiving traditions include volunteering at a local food pantry.  Other families organize clothing drives at church.  This year, I served hot meals at the People’s City Mission in Lincoln.  More than half a million Nebraskans formally volunteer in these ways each year.

According to the most recent estimate, two-thirds of Nebraskans informally helped their neighbors last year.  That makes our state the second best in the country for such volunteerism.  Whether it’s shoveling the sidewalk of an elderly neighbor or delivering a hot meal to a new mom, these acts of service bring our communities together.  Let’s find time to give back however possible.

From the rich cropland of the east to the rangeland in the west, our land offers tremendous opportunity.  Agriculture powers our state’s economy.  Our farmers and ranchers feed and fuel the world.  They wake early, work long hours, and keep going — even when times are tough.  Their grit and determination should inspire us all.

We have much to be thankful for as a nation.  We live in a country where we can speak and worship freely.  Those freedoms were secured by generations who served and sacrificed for us.  Let’s be thankful for the women and men in our armed forces.  Let’s be thankful for the law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe.

As we gather with family and friends, let’s reflect on our blessings.  It’s easy to focus on the challenges we face.  But we have so much more in common than we may think.  We are special because our people are special.  We let our values and common sense guide us.  It’s why Nebraska is what America is supposed to be.  Let’s rededicate ourselves to those values.

I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve Nebraska in the U.S. Senate.  I’ll continue fighting to defend our shared values.  Together, we can ensure that Nebraska remains the best place to live.

Happy Thanksgiving, Nebraska!