To the editor:

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, we reflect on all the Blessings the good Lord has given to the people of the United States of America.

We have just celebrated Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day. We need to thank our veterans that fought and the many that gave their lives to keep this country free.

Today, we see protests, riots, and turmoil throughout our wonderful nation. We wonder how many protesters are paid to do this, and they are. Most people we know are hard working people in their communities.

I reflect on my brother Ken, a Captain in the Marines, coming home from Vietnam. Upon entering San Francisco, these veterans were told to march straight ahead and just keep going. They were screamed at and spit on by protesters. I wonder if these people realized, these veterans put their life on the line so they could be free to do this? In many countries, this freedom does not exist.

As we look at our communities where we live, how blessed we are to be here and be together, molding many faiths and nationalities to the betterment of all is a freedom that we have in this United States.  Our families come from many nations to be Americans. We can be proud of our nationalities, but this is America where we need to be proud to be Americans. My father came to this country in 1922 at age 11. He was proud to be an American. His family picked up the English language and supported and promoted English to be the national language. A nation that cannot speak to each other becomes a divided nation. A divided nation will fail.

Therefore, we urge all of America to be kind to one another and to be of help in troubled times. The Lord of all has blessed this United States for almost 250 years. May this continue for many generations to  come.

Fred  and Jan Lenz

New Ulm