Happy Thanksgiving Day 2023

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY 2023

Julie Ann Racino

Community and Policy Studies

November 23, 2023

Wishing you and yours thankfulness for the gifts God has given us, 

and in the early spirit of the Christmas season-

peace on earth and goodwill toward men!

     As we celebrate the thankfulness of new life in America, we believe that fairness, equality and individuality is achievable, and that we continue to move forward to the 21st Century and the global challenges we face. 

    In America today, we particularly wish for peace in the Middle East which has claimed the lives of Americans through the Iraq War and thank the Carters for their work with Israel and Egypt to bring peace and stability to the region! May First Lady Rosalynn Carter rest in peace-Amen.

    We pray today for our parents who have departed the earth before us, our family and friends (facing lung, breast and prostate cancer, and heart disease and diabetes), those who have passed during shootings, suicides and drug use, and for the brave soldiers and hostages today.

    We ask that God strengthen our leaders in the US, our US states, and in the worldś Nations, and bring forth the best in us-whether inclusion, equity, social justice or love for family and the most vulnerable in societies. 

    As a 3rd gen Polish American, which similar to the US and neighboring Nations in Eastern Europe (now Eurasia), we welcomed refugees fleeing from Ukraine, hopefully until the country can rebuild to the new 21st Century. In America and around the world, people worldwide abhor the violence perpetrated on that Nation by Russian Federation post times of trust rebuilding.

     Happy Thanksgiving to- as we dedicated the book, Public Administration and Disability: Community Services Administration in the US (Racino, 2014, http://www.crcpress.com) to support  (direct service) workers who strive to support people within our health and human service systems. Special remembrance to William Remby and Sally Johnston who passed this year!

      And as always, special remembrance to my brother Terrance A. Racino who joined the angels and archangels of heaven in June 2020. And for Robin Racino Schererś coming out as LGBT sister at his passing both who joined our parents Augustine V. and Josephine H. (Bien) Racino in the afterlife.  

      We pray for all our family and friends who have passed before us, including Mary and Sam DeCristo (WWII Veterans) whose children (Robert, Carl, Joanne) will share their meal with me today! And this year, Uncle Joe Bien (predeceased by Aunt Barbara Miazga) who passed at age 93 in March 2023 with special cousins Bill and John Civiok (with Joanne & Rosemary) and friend Michael Miller, as they approach their 80s. And for friend Mary Craft McMillan after the loss of her lifetime partner James McMillan. 

      We remember all of our family and friends, especially Terry Racinoś children Todd, Derek, and Bryan Racino, and Christopher Racino, Leah Racino Hodges and John Garofalo-and the families they built together! Lest we forget, Susan and Bill Newman, Eve Adiletta-Racino, Joanne, Chrissy, Lisa, Eryne, Kelcie, and Heather Racino with Matt Hodges and Marguerita Garofalo.

      And as the first hostages are released in the new Israeli-Hamas War, we pray for their safety and that of all in the now war-torn region, and thank the Biden Administration for working on the release and ceasefire for the humanitarian corridor in Palestine. May the world see peace in its world regions in 2024!

      Thank you as always to Alan Spindler of Allstate in Rome, New York, and to Jamie Harrison and the Democratic National Committee in Washington, DC. And to the City of Rome for cleaning up the fire a few doors down in time for the holilday season. And for Fr. Paul Angelicchio and Deacon Mike Guidaitis who persevered with their staff and families, especially Jeanne Guidaitis, during the difficult Covid-19 era. Happy Thanksgiving Weekend 2023!