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I don’t know about you, but I express gratefulness daily for the wonderful gift of life. As we approach Thanksgiving—a day designated to bring our gratitude front and center—what will you acknowledge?
Think about it: what are you taking for granted? Once a year, we sit at a table and break bread with family members and friends, some of whom we may not have seen in a month—or maybe since last Thanksgiving. We share the traditional meal of turkey and dressing along with all the other “fixins.” That might include sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, greens, and more. My favorite, though, is the cranberry sauce. While I like the healthy version, the kind that comes in a can reminds me of my childhood. And let’s not forget the pie! We always had sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie.
As we reflect on gratitude, it’s worth thinking about the Pledge of Allegiance that we recited daily as students. With our hands over our hearts, we looked at the red, white, and blue flag, reaffirming our commitment not only to the flag itself but to the republic it represents.
The Pledge of Allegiance states:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
After reciting the pledge, we’d sing patriotic songs such as America the Beautiful, Battle Hymn of the Republic, and The Star-Spangled Banner. I remember singing these songs every day throughout my school years. These traditions helped instill a sense of patriotism among American citizens.
Speaking of patriotism, there’s another powerful oath that immigrants recite when they become U.S. citizens. Are you familiar with it?
Here is the Oath of Allegiance:
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
I find the renunciation of allegiance to any “foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty” especially striking.
I first became familiar with this oath through friends who became law-abiding U.S. citizens and took it very seriously. Its depth of meaning left a strong impression on me. Reflecting on the pledge I learned as a youth and the profound meaning of Thanksgiving, I’ve come to see the parallels between these two expressions of gratitude and commitment.
In light of recent events—college demonstrations and the influx of immigrants seeking a better life—I wonder how this oath resonates with them. For those immigrants fortunate enough to become U.S. citizens, I pray they embrace the honor of living in America, taking pride in this great experiment of democracy. I hope they hold it as a sacred gift, alongside their love of God, family, and self.
I also pray they understand that while we are not perfect, we strive daily toward a more perfect union. It is the people who make this nation great—not any single individual.
This Thanksgiving, if it’s not already a tradition in your family, consider going around the table and having each person express what they’re thankful for. It’s a small but meaningful way to acknowledge our blessings.
So, what are we thankful for?
I’m thankful for the ‘Most High’ God, who expresses Himself through all of us. I’m grateful for my parents and the adults in my extended family who contributed to my growth and well-being. I’m thankful for those who love me, including my ride-or-die friends and my business partner, who deemed me worthy to work alongside her.
I’m even grateful for those I’ve disappointed and for those who haven’t been well-meaning toward me, as they’ve taught me forgiveness.
I’m grateful for food on the table, clothes on my back, and money in the bank.
There’s so much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving and throughout the year, including:
- Family: A faithful family or close friends
- Health: Good health or healthy food
- Home: A place to call home
- Job: Meaningful work
- Education: The opportunity to learn
As Americans, we have a great deal to be thankful for—not just on Thanksgiving but 365 days a year.
Give thanks daily.
Visionary Kai EL´ Zabar has worked as CEO of arts organizations and as editor, writer and multimedia consultant accumulating a significant number of years in experience as an executive, journalist,publisher, public relations, media training, marketing, internal and external communications. Kai currently continues her life’s work as Editor-in-Chief Of Chicago News Weekly where she has resumed her column, “E NOTES.” She is ecstatic to be in the position to grace Chicago and the world with a publication that articulates the Black voice.