Last Wednesday Ann and I attended the sixth annual Fountain Hills Interfaith Thanksgiving Service.

This year it was held at Church of the Ascension Catholic Church, and the sanctuary was packed with representatives from many different faith traditions: Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Baha’i, LDS, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, United Methodist, etc. There was even a quartet and two choirs — one a 50-plus member interfaith choir.

What a beautiful gathering as speakers talked about peace and love and working and living together in harmony. How alike we all are regardless of our religious beliefs. So uplifting!

Thanksgiving Day the two of us had a more down-to-earth experience when we marched with our fellow Democrats in the Thanksgiving Day parade.

About 30 of us walked in front of a decorated truck carrying signs saying “Thanks Dems” with each sign having a different accomplishment spelled out: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Peace Corps, school lunch program, Head Start, unemployment compensation, first manned space flight to the moon, and on and on.

As we headed down Saguaro and then up Palisades we were greeted by a few negative comments, but these were dwarfed by the number of people who gave us a thumbs up or clapped as we passed by. Some looked a little surprised, “Look kids, it’s a Democrat right here in Fountain Hills.”

I’m sure many of the watchers have opposing political views yet we were treated with respect. How unusual and refreshing in a world where politics has become so mean spirited. Well done, Fountain Hills!

Heading home we thought how wonderfully nice it was to participate in two small town events — an interfaith gathering and a parade. And we were thankful for all of the people who worked so hard to make them both possible. What a great Thanksgiving!