Hello,

This Thanksgiving holiday, my appreciation extends to those who are behind the scenes every morning.

It’s the delivery driver whose route begins two hours before sunup; the 11-to-7 hospital worker who can never quite catch a good day’s sleep; the night mechanic working to ensure the equipment works; and the legions of military personnel standing watch at desks, outposts, and bridges of ships both here and afar.

These people keep the wheels of commerce going, the lights on, the sick on the path of healing. My thanks go to them who give us pleasant mornings, good food, and a safe environment every day.

My appreciation is tinged with sadness in knowing that on Thanksgiving there are those who have no one. They live on the street or alone, unseen and lonely on a day when such things shouldn’t be.

Hence, my family celebrates Thanksgiving with a customary circle of friends and a twist — we find a few people who haven’t anywhere to go and share the day with them. It has led to interesting conversations, an expanded understanding of others, fewer leftovers, and bigger smiles.

I urge everyone to reach out for Thanksgiving this year. It is time to build relationships, and I hear turkey and sweet potato casserole work well for that.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Mike Franken, VADM, U.S. Navy (ret.)