That’s why it’s important for parents to teach their children the true meaning of Thanksgiving. The younger generation needs to recognize the many gifts in their lives—gifts that would have been unthinkable for generations past. Youngsters need to see that—just because their lives are not heaven on earth, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a reason to rejoice.

For they live in a country where anything is possible—where a poor child can grow up to become leader of the free world.

And for that, they should be profoundly thankful.