It’s that time of year when we all should pause a moment and consider the very long list of things that we all have to be thankful for. I’ve seen much of the world, and a lot of it wasn’t a pretty sight. Americans for the most part fail to grasp how blessed we all are to live in this country. I realize our federal government has some very serious problems that are so numerous I could write a book about it. But this is the time of year where I want to write about all we have to be thankful for.

I would like to thank all the Nebraskans who give of themselves so the rest of us can take so much for granted. Our law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical personnel who make dialing 911 something we can all rely on. The soldiers and airmen of our National Guard who stand ready to answer the call of the Governor or the President. Our incredible healthcare workers who stand on the front line in the emergency room every day. The citizens who raise their hand and run for elected office on the city council or the county commissioners or the school board. The unpaid volunteers who staff rural fire departments or volunteer at their local school or church. The many veteran groups and organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars who give so much back to their communities. Civic organizations like the Eagles Club or Rotary Club or Shriners who support so many charitable causes. Even the neighbor who looks in on the elderly person who lives alone next door. The dad that agrees to be the Cub Scout pack leader, or the parent who agrees to help chaperon the fourth grade class that visits our very unique and beautiful Capitol building every spring. 

These amazing citizens are the fabric of our community. They are the stitches that hold our coat of many colors together. They make living in Nebraska and the United States the special thing that it is. There is no ‘good life’ without good people, and we have an abundance of them. 

The list of people and groups that make America great is very long. The willingness of ordinary people to volunteer and give back to their communities is a singularly unique aspect of American life. You just don’t see this degree of civic involvement in other countries. The biggest blessing we have in the United States is the large number of ordinary citizens willing to give of themselves to make their community better. A lot of people in other countries are not as free as we are. They look to the government to improve their lives. Americans look to themselves. The people know our government does not make America great. Our people do. Working for them has been the greatest honor of my life. From all of us on my team here in the capitol, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.