Since this is my first Thanksgiving as a blogger, I was wracking my brain trying to come up with my own novel take on heritage turkeys and organic pumpkin pie. Nothing came to mind, so then I was gonna tackle the annual shopping-as-contact-sport event that is Black Friday. As the Practical Fashionista, I was thinking of sharing some secrets on how to elbow your way through the swirling mosh pit at the best sales. However, I’ve made the pilgrimage to King of Prussia Mall at the reasonable hour of 9 a.m. on every Black Friday for the past several years and honestly, it has never been too chaotically crowded (have I now jinxed myself?).

So instead, I decided to keep my Thanksgiving Day post simple and straightforward. The theme is what I’m truly grateful for—actually, the one main thing that I’m most grateful for. My good health, yes. My mom who has put up with me for almost four decades, sure. My late father who was a brilliant man of great character, check. And I could easily come up with several more big-ticket-shout-outs.

But during a recent run along the Mount Vernon Trail, I realized that right now, I’m really thankful for my freedom and being an American. Is this an original concept? Hardly–every politician will make the same point today. Well, for the record, I’m endorsing sincere and proud patriotism, which isn’t about being fashionable, trendy, jingoistic or ignorant.

It was in this spirit that I took these serene photos on Monday afternoon of Arlington National Cemetery and the northeastern entrance to the Memorial Bridge.

Yes, America sometimes messes things up and often throws its weight around in the global arena, but I’m so grateful to be part of this big, hairy, audacious democracy. And to our troops who make it all possible, thank you.

In short, America rocks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Btw, it turns out that gratitude is good for your health.  And if you’re still in desperate need of savvy online shopping tips for Black Friday, shefinds.com has it covered.