For some of you, Thanksgiving is a tradition that brings happiness. It may also mean a boring dinner with too many family members. It might bring a sense of pride and loyalty about our nation.

            I know that some of you cannot wait for Thanksgiving because of its great food and fun and vacation! Yes, time off from the pressure of tests, work, school, and the dreadful quizzes. I can admit to thinking that as well. Who wouldn’t want to get as far away as possible from school or anything relating to it?

            Well, unlike what some people may think, there is much more to Thanksgiving than vacation. Thanksgiving is a nation-wide holiday celebrated by every person living in America. It’s when our ancestors befriended the Indians and had a great feast in honor of their new and exciting friendship. In other words, it means we made peace with those who hated us for taking their land. Now, in this time of tragedy and terror, shouldn’t Thanksgiving mean a little more?

            On September 11, our peace with Afghanistan was destroyed. We have continued to fight and drop bombs on our hated rival. As President Bush says, “We will hunt down the hijackers and bring them to justice.” Now think back to the first Thanksgiving. New friendships, overcome hatred, and great food occurred at the first Thanksgiving. Let’s look at our coming Thanksgiving and what’s going on in our world. Terror, fear and hatred. How is this keeping up with the Thanksgiving spirit? Thanksgiving is a time of love, caring and peace. And what are we all focused on? War. Sadly, we have no choice but to hate what the hijackers and Osama Bin Laden have done to us.

            I love Thanksgiving. All my family members come together and share memories and great food. Despite what I may think, I have all I need. Most of you reading this are at El Segundo High School, one of the best schools. Everyone here has somewhere to live. And everyone has loved ones who care undyingly for them everyday. Thanksgiving may mean something different to each person. ESHS Freshman, Roland Breitenstien says, “For me, Thanksgiving is a time to be with my hockey team. This Thanksgiving, I am going to hockey tournaments in Riverside. We are all staying at a hotel with a pool. It should be real fun. I can’t wait!”

            You should spend time with family members and enjoy Thanksgiving. Some might think, “No, I don’t have everything I want. I haven’t gotten my new shoes I wanted or the new Playstation 2 yet.” But do the children in Afghanistan have the latest fashions and the latest game systems?

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