RESCUERS WERE THERE IN TIME OF NEED

I was delighted to read Mike Gordon's "To your rescue" article in the Sunday Advertiser (Nov. 22). It reminded me that at this time of Thanksgiving, we have plenty for which to be thankful. This team of rescuers helped us in a time of need.

I would like to publicly thank the HFD Rescue One, First Watch team of Nalu Kokea, Alan Nitta and Courtney Seto, who found our 19-year-old son, Daniel, July 25, 2003, in the Nuuanu-Pali steep terrain. The rescue team persisted in searching, and even had to lower a basket from their helicopter in a very narrow area to extract Daniel's body. Even though he was not alive, it gave us closure, after a four-day exhaustive search.

Thanks, rescuers, for helping us, and all that you do through the year for others. We should all look at our cup and be thankful for the life we have.

JOYCE CASSEN | Honolulu

CELEBRATE SERVICE ON THIS HOLIDAY

The enduring image of the Thanksgiving holiday is of the extended ohana gathered around a large table strewn with a bountiful selection of wonderful foods, including yams, cranberry sauce, pumpkins pies, stuffing and of course, the traditional turkey. A beautiful picture, but one that will not be experienced by some of Hawaii's families this year.

During these challenging economic times when financial woes add to our burdens, the truly important elements of our lives are thrown into sharp focus. Now, more than ever, it is important to remember that while our cornucopias continue to overflow with blessings, whether it is enjoying good health, the love and support of family and friends, or simply being thankful for the beautiful islands in which we live, we can do more for our fellow residents.

Let us also take a moment to express our appreciation for our men and women in uniform, serving both at home and abroad, who have volunteered to sacrifice time with their families to serve our nation and provide a warm blanket of safety to all of us.

This Thursday, we should all reach out to those who are not as fortunate. Each of us has something to give, whether it is money, food, time or a smile to a stranger. The truest way to observe the season is as a celebration of service, and a commitment to lend a hand to lift up your neighbors and your community.

LINDA LINGLE | Governor, State of Hawaii

JAMES R. "DUKE" AIONA, JR. | Lieutenant governor, State of Hawaii

WISHING ALL A HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I join with people across Hawaii in offering a prayer of Thanksgiving for the love of family and the aloha of friends, for the bounty of life in these beautiful islands, for the rights and privileges of citizenship in the greatest of nations, and for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.

The Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving to express their gratitude for their acceptance in a new land and the freedom and opportunity that America offered. In that same spirit, we pray for the safety of the men and women serving our nation in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places far from home; for the leaders who are guiding our nation during a difficult time; and for all the people in Hawaii who are working tirelessly to make this community a better place for all.

Gail and I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

MUFI HANNEMANN | Mayor

GRATEFUL FOR A GOOD LIFE IN BEAUTIFUL PLACE

The recession is a year old with no end in sight for us rank-and-file types with no golden parachutes or million-dollar bonuses in our pay envelopes.

I still actually have a job and I'm mighty grateful to have it. I still have my health, most of it anyway, and our little family of two humans and three critters is intact and reasonably happy.

Our needs are being met on a daily basis and some of our "wants," too.

Our lives are pretty simple so we're grateful for things like waking up to a rainbow arcing over the Koolau mountains and the beautiful sight of Käneohe Bay as we come home on our daily commute from town.

We have love and faith in a Great Spirit that has given us so much in this life, especially living in a place as beautiful as Hawaii. I grew up in snow country so I don't take the tropics for granted.

Mostly, life is good and for that, I'm very grateful.

Namaste.

MICHEL GROTSTEIN | Käneohe

HÄNAI BROTHERS A BLESSING TO FAMILY

My ohana has been blessed with five hänai Sämoan brothers. My new brothers are role models to me. They have changed my perspective on life by teaching me humility, hard-work ethics and how to appreciate what you have. I have always loved and respected my parents and my younger brother and sister, but these boys have taught me through actions how to be more devoted to my family. They are the brothers I have always wanted. Their exuberant smiles have brought a positive spirit into my home! They have exposed my family to a new culture of loyalty and discipline. I am grateful that my mom helped them with their football injuries and brought them into my life.

Phil, Eddie, Eki, Sua and Faoato — I am forever thankful for your presence. Oute alofa ia oe (I love you)!

JANAE LEILANI RASMUSSEN | Kailua

SHOW SOMEONE THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE

The holidays are a time for thanksgiving and spending time with friends, family and loved ones. For too many of our kupuna and ohana in our island communities this is not the case. Many families are struggling each day to make ends meet, and many of them are alone or homeless.

Let's join our neighbors in the spirit of lokahi this holiday season to help those who are less fortunate and most vulnerable to make sure they are not alone. Although we have already made a difference in the lives of many, there are still individuals and families who are facing overwhelming challenges and they rely on a little helping hand to get back to work and back on their feet. Let's show them that someone cares.

Many are struggling due to circumstances beyond their control, and could use a helping hand. These situations can lead to significant financial challenges and increased demand for limited services and program resources. With our collective kokua, we need to ensure every effort possible is done to provide families with the essentials and a better quality of life. To quote John Rockefeller, "Think of giving not as a duty, but as a privilege."

WILLIAM ANONSEN | Honolulu

APPRECIATING ALL OF LIFE'S EXPERIENCES

If you were to stand in front of me and ask me what I'm thankful for, I'd smile and say "everything."

I'm thankful for growing up in Hawaii, all the experiences I've had. Cruising through Saddle Road on the Big Island to crashing the ATV on Mana Road with my husband even though I broke my elbow. Ha. I love my family even though we don't all get along and fight. I love my man Joshua Dane McMillen. He is my soulmate and best friend. I wouldn't trade you for anything! Not even Johnny Depp!

I'm thankful for what God gave me in my life; he blessed me a lot . If I didn't go through what I have I wouldn't be who I am today. So thank you, God; thank you, my family; thank you, babe; and to everybody — have a good day.

ALYSHA RUSHLOW-COBLE | Kapolei

THANKS FOR FAMILY AND KIND NEIGHBORS

As an 85-year-old retired DOE teacher and widow, I am so thankful I can still maintain my house and drive my car for short distances. I also look forward to the delivery of the Advertiser to read, to clip coupons, and do the crosswords, Sudoku, bridge hands, Word Game and Jumble. I am thankful I can sing in my church choir and attend the weekly morning Bible class. But most of all, I am thankful for my kind neighbors and four helpful, married loving children with seven grandchildren who are all working or attending college. God has truly blessed me.

MARY STEWART | Kailua

TOGETHER WE CAN GIVE ALL PLACE AT TABLE

The Associated Press recently reported that "one in seven American households struggled to put enough food on the table in 2008." That translates to nearly 50 million people hungry in the world's richest country.

We see plenty of evidence of hunger here in the Islands and know that the difficult economy will increase the number of those who go hungry. We recognize that everyone is reconsidering charitable donations as we try to stretch every dollar. But even as you look at your list of contributions, we ask you to remember that food is the most basic of necessities. Your donation to Aloha Harvest is needed more than ever.

In 1999, Aloha Harvest began its mission of "partnering with you to feed Hawai'i's hungry." This is not a problem one organization can fix. It is a challenge for all of us to overcome. In 10 years, Aloha Harvest has delivered nearly 5 million pounds of quality food to 130 social service agencies around O'ahu.

As your holiday tables are laden with good food for loved ones, we ask that you think about those without a place at any table. And if it moves you, please help us make a place at the table for the hungry with your donation. And let us know if you would like us to pick up the commercially prepared food that may be left over from your special events. You can call 537-6945. Mahalo.

CHRIS CHUN | Co-executive director, Aloha Harvest

KU'ULEI WILLIAMS | Co-executive director, Aloha Harvest

COUNTING PRICELESS TREASURES OF LIFE

In these tough economic times, it seems that we see more and more bad-news stories about budget cuts, layoffs, foreclosures, businesses closing, furloughs or weather catastrophes . Especially at Thanksgiving, this special time of sharing and caring, I like to remind myself of how blessed we are to be alive and to live on an island that is the dream destination of millions, a place which possesses so much natural beauty and is not frequently hit by destructive typhoons or severe earthquakes.

From the recent furloughs and cuts in education, we have seen how much people do care for the education and futures of their children and how they have come together and acted to push for change and keep the schools open and functioning.

My kids may feel they are not as privileged as others, but I hope one day they will realize that it's the blessings and joys of family and friends for which we all should be most be thankful. Those are the real priceless treasures of life.

ANGIE SANTIAGO | Mililani

LOVED ONES, HAWAII, FREEDOM WONDERFUL

I am very appreciative and thankful that I can express and celebrate an American tradition — Thanksgiving Day. On this special day, in spite of the difficulties of the economy, there's so many things I am thankful for.

I give thanks for my loved ones, my wife, my family and friends.

I'm thankful that I was born and raised in Hawaii. I've visited other places with their special attractiveness but none can match the beauty of Hawaii and its people.

I'm able to choose my religion and can worship freely in the church of my choice - The Salvation Army.

As the original pilgrims celebrated their Thanksgiving, I offer in gratitude my thankfulness to God, today, and every day.

STANFORD KANEHIRO | Honolulu

FULFILLING JOB ONE OF MANY GOOD THINGS

I'm thankful for a job that allows me to care creatively for other people, and for the opportunity to make their jobs easier and happier and students more successful. I'm grateful for the leadership choices that made possible no faculty layoffs in a recession. I'm grateful to HPU's administration, faculty, staff and students, who teach me by asking for help.

I'm grateful for my relatively minor health challenges and for those who help me face them. I'm grateful to nonprofits like Safe Haven, which daily help others much less fortunate than most of us.

I'm thankful for the many friends, business people, artists and colleagues who enrich my life every day, in Hawaii and throughout the world. I'm especially grateful for those who model an attitude of gratitude every day of the year.

I'm grateful for the management and employees at Hawaiian and American Airlines, who do an often-difficult and sometimes thankless job extremely well.

My mom died in 2005, but she left a major gift: my appreciation of the performing arts and skillful writing. I'm grateful for the joy this brings me every day.

MICHAEL W. DABNEY | Honolulu

PILGRIM SPIRIT STILL RELEVANT TODAY

I'm thankful for the hearty pilgrim spirit that founded this nation by persisting in the face of adversity, hardship, even death. We, as Americans, are going to need this quality during hard times in the coming years, and I wholeheartedly believe that with this spirit we can turn the corner to better days.

REP. GENE WARD | District 17