I have heard Thanksgiving referred to as "the forgotten holiday." I attended a meeting last week where it was the "elephant in the room." One of the topics for discussion was the upcoming holiday and the various menus that might be served.
Much to my consternation, the Thanksgiving holiday was called "Special Celebration," and the menu was referred to as "special food."
We all knew that we were talking about Thanksgiving Day. I quietly approached the moderator after the meeting and asked why the term "Thanksgiving Day" was so scrupulously avoided.
I was informed that there were "two or three" people in attendance (out of 50) who do not celebrate Thanksgiving. So as not to offend or exclude them, the words "Special Celebration" were used.
I've not written to criticize the moderator (whom I know to be thoughtful and caring), but rather to lament a devolving society that so panders to inclusiveness as to make us uneasy about calling a Thanksgiving turkey what it is. What is wrong with this picture?
Where does freedom of choice begin to chip away at my time-honored tradition? Already there are many new holiday celebrations being introduced into our wonderful melting pot. Must I give up my traditions
Or should we appease the "political- correctness" police to the point where we become a plain vanilla society?
At my Thanksgiving table, there will be foreign nationals celebrating this most American of holidays with me and my family.
To them and to my fellow Americans, I say "Happy Thanksgiving."
Jennifer Estes
Spotsylvania