Folks at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station here got a jump on Turkey Day activities Nov. 17. Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, right, commander, 45th Space Wing, his wife, Lisa, center, and Col. Loretta Kelemen, commander, 45th Mission Support Group, get to work on the ham and turkey prepared by Quan Rutirasiri, manager of Café de Cape . This was the 14th annual lunch prepared by Quan and her staff.

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Thanksgiving: Much more than a 'Day'

Published Nov. 19, 2010
By Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson
Commander, 45th Space Wing

Patrick AFB, Fla. -- Last week, our entire family had the distinct pleasure of attending the 28th Annual "Massing of the Colors," an inspiring Veterans Day event held every year at the Brevard Community College - Cocoa campus. It was only one of many such patriotic events held all up and down this military-friendly Space Coast community.

During that ceremony, Ms. Deana Strickland was called to the stage as the ceremony honored her son, Army Pfc. James Page, 23, who was recently killed in Afghanistan.

Wearing the "Sky Soldiers" t-shirt of her son's former unit, she came close to tears as the hundreds in attendance stood as one to honor her, and her son's memory.

It really hammered home once again to all who were there the real meaning of Veterans Day.

We're blessed to live in a community - and a nation -- like this.

And it made us thankful to live in a nation that cares, and isn't the least shy about showing it.

Let's face it, even in the uncertain times many of us here and in every corner of the country are currently going through, we have much to be thankful for.

As we get ready to celebrate - to "give thanks" - next week, let's remember to reach out to those who may not have family and friends in the area.

In our minds, Thanksgiving is much more than a "Day." It is a mind-set, a choice, a life-style that tries to find the good in all; the good in everyone. It's about "giving thanks" and paying back for all we have been blessed with in our lives.

Maybe former President John F. Kennedy said it best, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

As always, be safe. Plan ahead and remember to have a back-up plan just in case the unexpected happens.

And just so you know, Lisa and I are forever thankful to be serving with you. We want to see each and every one of you back after the upcoming Thanksgiving break.

Happy Thanksgiving!