SPRINGFIELD – November is a month of celebrating all that is good about our nation’s democracy.

On the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, we exercise our right to vote for our state and federal lawmakers – a privilege that too many people take for granted. Millions of people in countries around the world have struggled to win and maintain the opportunity to voice their opinions in free and open elections. Closer to home, civic-minded people have pledged to support our freedoms and work on our behalf on the town councils and the county boards, and in the Illinois General Assembly and United States Congress.

On Nov. 11, we honor our veterans, the men and women who left their home and families to protect our freedoms and defend our rights. These brave souls fought for our freedom, and many did not return. We honor their sacrifices, the courage they displayed in fighting and the determination to succeed for all of us. That kind of dedication cannot be measured and certainly deserves to be honored.

Since 1941, we have celebrated Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a day to reflect on the many things for which we are thankful in our homes, our communities, our state, and our nation. Not surprisingly, the early residents of our nation who first celebrated Thanksgiving came to this nation in search of freedom.

Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving – the decorations and traditions may be different for each, but the common theme is freedom and democracy.