Minnesota House of Representatives

Accessibility menu

Menu

Minnesota House of Representatives

State Representative Rick Hansen

451 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828

For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809

Posted: 2011-11-15 00:00:00
Share on: 



NEWS COLUMN

THANKSGIVING A TIME FOR REFLECTION

Almost 400 year ago, the Plymouth colonists and Native Americans shared a harvest feast. Now we share family traditions of pumpkin pie, turkey and togetherness. Our American Thanksgiving was formally proclaimed by President Lincoln in the midst of the Civil War in 1863.

During these tough economic times, it is important to realize that we are fortunate in all that we have. While the economy is slowly improving, too many in our community can’t find work, others have watched their savings and retirement funds disappear, and still others haven’t seen a wage increase in years.

Minnesota was only 5 years old and embroiled in conflict when Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving. Even through challenges and adversity, our state and nation have always found time to give thanks.

I’m always reminded of a quote from President Franklin Roosevelt that I’ve used before. In 1933, 25 percent of Americans were out of work. Countless thousands had lost their homes, their farms, and their livelihoods. But President Roosevelt addressed a desperate nation with optimism and courage. He said:

“Our distress comes from no failure of substance. We are stricken by no plague of locusts. Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered, because they believed and were not afraid, we have still much to be thankful for."

We do still have much to be thankful for, and despite the challenges facing us, I’m confident we can come together and position Minnesota for a future of long-term success.

With Veterans Day just past us, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our veterans and current service members who bravely defend our country and serve with great courage and great honor. Thank you as well to the local public safety officials who keep our community safe.

Thanks as well to our great teachers and educators. A high-quality education is perhaps the best indicator for future success. It’s also the key to our long-term economic prosperity. Our teachers do a tremendous job with our young people and instill a love of learning that will serve them all their lives.

Like many of you, I’m so very thankful for my family, friends and neighbors that make up our wonderful community. We’re fortunate to live in this great area and I thank you for all that you do to make our community what it is.

Finally, I am deeply grateful that you have asked me to do the work of improving our economy. I am committed to that work, and confident that Minnesota’s best days are ahead of us.

As always, please feel free to send me your comments, concerns and suggestions. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-6828 or email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn. You can also send mail to my office, room 247 in the State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155.

Rick Hansen
State Representative
District 39A

News Items

Audio & Video

Galleries

No image galleries found

Minnesota House of Representatives  ·   100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul, MN   55155   ·   Webmaster@house.mn