Whittle: Thankful I'm an American

By DAN WHITTLE

Thankful I'm an American as Thanksgiving '14 Arrives.

Am I prejudiced in believing "Thanksgiving" is America's very own kick-butt holiday?

Am I prejudiced in being confident America remains the greatest nation of opportunity and freedoms in world history?
Am I prejudiced not about politics, but about having a black American as modern-day president that shows a spirit of togetherness to the rest of the world?

Am I prejudiced in thinking only In America could Mr. Lincoln rise from being born in a log cabin, to being the president credited most with ending slavery?

As a Baptist, am I prejudiced in believing the year 2014 marked more progressive healing history when Southern Baptists, a denomination founded partly on pro-slavery in the 1800s, finally elected a black minister to help lead today's modern ministry?

Am I prejudiced in knowing I live in a "kick-butt" thankful hometown community that produces the likes of Vietnam War decorated hero Col. James Stone of Woodbury and D-Day invasion medic hero Bill Allen, of Murfreesboro: Col. Stone for repeated dangerous chopper missions into the swamps to rescue wounded Americans and Medic Allen for repeated trips on hospital ships to retrieve dead and wounded Americans when Allied Forces staged the world's largest invasion in history to bring down German Nazis.

There is no debate I am definitely prejudiced about living in an awesome community that doesn't only "mouth" about loving our military veterans and families who protect our freedoms.

Who would not be thankful and humbled to have a current community-wide fund-raiser --"Whittlemania" - named for you!

Due to the charitable folks at Peter D's Restaurant, it appears our community is about to net $20,000 in operational funds for the community's magnificent Tennessee Fisher House that houses military families, free of charge, while warriors are being treated at either the York VA or Nashville VA medical centers?

It would be a hollow Thanksgiving to not give thanks for management at the Murfreesboro Post and Cannon Courier, along with WGNS Radio's management team as evidence that good community journalism remains alive and well in an America, still based on Freedom of the Press. Their continued support of charities such as Read to Succeed, Wings of Freedom Fish Fry, Whittlemania and Special Kids is the right thing to do in our community.

Admittedly, I'm very prejudiced in saluting Murfreesboro educator Patrick Nelson and his wife, Amanda, our granddaughter, as the best young and brave parents I've known personally in my treks around the globe.

Their faith has lifted our family's spirits, as well as the community's spirit while joyfully rearing great grandson Beckett, now age 5 who has inspired us all with his efforts to be all he can be despite his head being damaged when left unattended as an infant by a professional caregiver.

He's our miracle child, along with little brother Emerson.

On a personal note, I'm thankful for the medical team that recently conducted successful cataract surgeries for wife Pat, a very brave and tough lady who loves her Lord and family to the fullest ... Amen!!