Thanksgiving Reflections: A Dream for an Inclusive America
For over 30 years, the McKone family has celebrated Thanksgiving in style at their home in West Hartford, Connecticut, bringing together 20 to 31 family members for a feast complete with two turkeys, abundant sides, and an array of homemade desserts. This tradition, nurtured by Tom McKone’s parents, reflects a deep-rooted commitment to family, gratitude, and generosity stemming from their own experiences of hardship during the Great Depression and World War II.
Tom’s parents, shaped by their early struggles and immigrant backgrounds, prioritized holiday gatherings to share the blessings they never had. These memories are intertwined with themes of resilience and inclusivity, calling to mind the ongoing challenges faced by today’s migrants and victims of war. Tom emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their background, shares the same fundamental needs for love and belonging.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Tom reveals his vision for America: a nation that embraces diversity and equity and provides opportunities for all, rejecting the biases that hinder progress. He advocates for an environment where immigrants, women, people of all races and disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community are treated with dignity and respect, challenging the systemic inequalities that persist.
Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of collective hopes and aspirations—a moment to gather and reflect on the journey toward an inclusive democracy. As families come together this holiday weekend, McKone urges everyone to carry forward the spirit of gratitude and work toward making America a place of liberty and justice for all, striving for a society where diversity, equity, and social justice are more than just ideals—but a reality achievable for everyone.
Tom McKone, a former educator and library administrator residing in Montpelier, hopes that this Thanksgiving inspires a renewed commitment to the promise of an equitable America.
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Photo credit www.rutlandherald.com
