Giving thanks for family, friends & Nebraska values
Americans across the country will gather around their dining tables with family and loved ones to pause, reflect, and give thanks.
As I prepare to do the same, I’ve been thinking deeply about the blessings in my own life. At the top of that list are my family, my friends, and the good people of Nebraska who have shaped, supported, and entrusted me with the responsibility of representing our state.
Thanksgiving offers us a chance to step back from the pace of daily life and consider what truly sustains our communities.
In Nebraska, those bonds are strong. Our state understands that it takes more than individual effort to raise good citizens; it takes neighbors who care, families who show up, and communities that pull together.
I’ve seen this time and again in the countless quiet acts of service that define who we are: volunteers sorting food donations, parents grilling hamburgers to help fund a local project, families carpooling students to Girls State and Boys State, and friends rallying around a neighbor facing a difficult time.
These gestures build the foundation of a state that values character.
That sense of responsibility to something larger than ourselves is also evident in the many Nebraskans who serve our nation.
With Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha and missile facilities across western Nebraska, our state plays an essential role in our national security. But the heart of our contribution is found in the people— the service members, their families, and the communities that embrace them.
As the daughter of a World War II Army veteran, the sister of Air Force and Army veterans, and a relative to many who have served in the Army and Navy, I know firsthand the sacrifices military families make. Their stories remind me that service is a commitment lived daily, often quietly, and always with courage.
Hard work is another Nebraska hallmark. Whether baling hay well after sunset, caring for patients in a hospital, or keeping a small business running, Nebraskans take pride in doing a job well. In the U.S. Senate, I strive to carry that same ethic. The responsibility of legislating on behalf of this state is one I take seriously. Nebraskans deserve someone who listens intently, works diligently, and approaches each issue with humility and resolve.
This Thanksgiving, my gratitude extends far and wide—to my family, whose love grounds me; to my friends, whose steady encouragement means more than they know; and to the good people of Nebraska, whose character, generosity, and perseverance inspire me daily.
Thank you for building strong communities, for raising the next generation of leaders, and for reminding our nation what it means to live by these values.
Because of you, Nebraska— and our country—has a hopeful future.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
