The holidays are a season many of us cherish because they give us a time to enjoy the company of our family and friends, to reflect on the year, and, most importantly, to give thanks.  Despite the countless blessings in many of our lives, this has been a difficult year for many families across this country and it will possibly be one of the toughest holiday seasons in recent memory.
   
In times like these, it is easy to loose track of the true spirit of the holidays.  With unemployment on the rise, home foreclosures hurting more and more working families and an unstable economy, we face many challenges and much uncertainty in the future.  However, we must remember that the holidays allow us to demonstrate the neighborly spirit of the American people and they present an occasion for us to help one another.   
   
We have much to be thankful for this holiday season.  We admire and salute the selfless sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, especially those Arkansans fulfilling their duties on military bases here in the U.S. and on the frontlines around the world.  I was pleased to learn this week that soldiers from the Arkansas National Guard's 39th Infantry Brigade are beginning their return from Iraq.  It is my hope that all 3,000 members of the 39th will soon be home safe with their families after their honorable service to our nation abroad.  I urge everyone to welcome these soldiers back with the appreciation and gratitude they have earned and deserve.

We should also use this holiday season as a reminder to appreciate the things we have, while remembering those among us that are less fortunate.  I urge you to reach out in your communities and churches and help those families that are struggling during these tough economic times. 

Too often we rely on government to fix the problems in our towns and communities when, in fact, the American tradition is that of pitching in, getting involved and lending a helping hand to those in need.  Government assistance is a blessing for many, but it is the assistance given through volunteering time that can mean just as much or even more.  When we help our neighbors, the elderly and even complete strangers we have never met, we embody the American spirit during the holidays. 

Margaret Meade, a respected author and anthropologist, once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”  I can’t help but think how right she was and how appropriate her words of wisdom are to our current times. 

Sincerely,

 
Mike Ross

Mike helps present a $10,000 Economic Impact Initiative Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Nov. 25 to the Arkansas City Police Department.  The funds helped purchase a new police vehicle (pictured in background) with protection screen and blue lights.