An open letter to the Quakertown Community School District

By Jon Kern

Thanksgiving Morning, 2020.

We are in the midst of one of the greatest holidays.

A time of Thanksgiving.

From the perilous 2 month-plus journey of the 102 souls on the Mayflower, and their groundbreaking Mayflower Compact (the first agreement among people to form a government of consent – and not one with a monarch). The seeds were sown for the Declaration of Independence 150+ years later.

We are a unique nation, founded on freedom and liberty.

We have stood many tests, from the dark days of George Washington’s troops starving and nearly defeated in nearby Valley Forge, to the bitter conflict of the Civil War to fight against slavery and especially against the South breaking up the Union. Many of us know people (my father) who fought in World War II against the fascism of Nazi Germany and the Imperialism of Japan. To the attack on our nation on September 11th, 2001.

What has sustained our nation throughout, is the notion that we are Americans. We are unified under that broad idea that "all men are created equal."

And with that thought, the current “battle” is against an enemy that requires a microscope to see, but only a beating heart to feel the pain.

The fear of the unknown is palpable, but we shouldn’t allow it to divide us.

Rather, we should be able to come together.

If we are unwilling to hate one another for having differing views, we cannot be divided.

This requires us all to eat a big portion of “humble pie.”

With humility and calm, we can listen to one another. Share our fears, our passions, our concerns, and our dreams.

So whilst gathered with family this week, I plan to be kind, show grace, and to recognize we live in the greatest country, in the greatest time, with incredible personal freedoms that many fought and died for.

We have an opportunity to move forward united – if we dare choose!

May you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

-- Jon Kern, fellow citizen

Mr. Kern  is a school director representing Region 2,  which includes Milford Township and Trumbauersville Borough
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