The end-of-year holiday season of 2025 is upon us, and, again, peace on earth and goodwill to all go unanswered.

            The recent horrors in Bondi Beach in Australia, Brown University in Rhode Island, the recent discovery of an alleged plot to bomb several locations in California and New Orleans on New Year's Eve, and more must make us more aware.

            Too many of our elected officials in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, along with wannabes, seem more intent on retaliation on their enemies than providing good and sane government for the people.

            It must start with those chosen to govern us.  They must provide the right example for each other and remember that their responsibility is to the people they govern – not to their personal agenda or political party. 

            I guess we should be thankful that we have another year to try and right our sinking ship.  The vile hate inflicted on those with a differing opinion must be replaced with sane arguments. If you choose war on your neighbor, then how can we hope for peace anywhere?

            I also want to remind everyone that, as we celebrate the holiday season, set your hate aside and begin by giving thanks to all the individuals and organizations who step forward to help make someone's Christmas a little brighter.  To them a genuine "Thank You" for heartfelt efforts.  The professions, organizations, names, and programs are many, as is the satisfaction and gratitude that goes out to them.  To those who choose to get involved, you are part of what makes a community special and gives hope for the future.  

            In the spirit of the season, TV, radio and newspapers go out of their way to deluge us with wonderful accounts of people doing good things for other people.  Too bad we can't bottle it and use it throughout the year (and send some of it to our nation's capital). 

            We often remind our readers that there are many individuals and groups whose service won't end just because it's a holiday.  Many of those individuals and groups will stand on the line, teetering between tranquility and trouble on Christmas Day.   

            A safe and quiet holiday season is wished for all members of the United States Armed Forces serving throughout the world, especially those serving in harm's way.

            We wish for a calm Christmas Eve and Day for the nurses, doctors and others who will staff our healthcare facilities.

            For the police officers patrolling the streets on this holiday, we sincerely wish that the only thing they have to write in their logs is "no incidents today."  May they also find a still moment to call their families to wish them a Merry Christmas.

            To the emergency medical services personnel and professional firefighters who will be on duty waiting to respond to a call for help, we hope that for one 24-hour period, they never get it.

            To the volunteer firefighters, who stand ready to drop whatever they're doing from wherever they're at and respond to a call for help, we hope they get a day to complete a meal with their families.

            Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa at this time of year, the staff at the Town and Country News wishes a safe holiday season to all of our readers and our fondest hope for a happy and safe 2025.

            Our wish? Peace on Earth. Everywhere.