Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Window Rock, Navajo Nation (Arizona) - I am pleased to bring to you greetings from the Begaye/McKenzie administration. Once again, we find ourselves at the close of a remarkable year.

It is very difficult to put into words the feelings I'm sure we all share regarding the devastating attacks on America on September 11, 2001.

As has been said many times before, this day will forever be etched in our memories. We saw the tragedy as it unfolded on radio and television broadcasts.

The events of September 11, 2001 have certainly changed our lives. We continue to pray for the families who were affected by these terrible incidents.

As many of us move forward from these events, we cannot ignore the feelings of insecurity as we may board another plane, or open our mail. Though there has been an overwhelming sense of alarm since the attacks, as individuals we have found the niche to carry on. For many individuals, life has not been so simple.

Many Americans continue to suffer in their daily lives, despite the attacks of September 11, 2001. There are still many families, including Navajo families who must struggle to make ends meet.

This holiday season, we continue to hold our hearts open to them, and we pray that soon hope will lift them and carry them through to greater opportunities and fewer burdens.

There are many Navajo children who continue to go to bed hungry, or who don't have a winter coat, or winter boots to keep them warm.

There are many elderly Navajos who live in old homes without the conveniences of electricity, heat, or telephones.

As well, there are many Navajo veterans who continue to struggle to raise a family, or simply to put food on the table.

Ladies and gentlemen, these are our brothers and sisters, and we humbly ask that each one of you take these thoughts into deep consideration and continue to lend a helping hand.

These winter months are going to be cold. Once again, as human beings, we must take the responsibility to help one another, as we are all in this together. Please lend a helping hand, for these are gifts of love and humanity that were given to us by our ancestors.

The holiday season is also the time we spend with our families and loved ones. It is the time to share with friends and to renew long lost friendships. The holiday season is also the time for forgiveness, where the gifts of love and hope are the greatest gifts of all.

On behalf of Vice President Taylor McKenzie and myself, I wish you the best of the season and our prayers and best wishes to you for the coming year.