Columbia, SC — I hope we will push aside Black Friday, which now seeps into a Black Thanksgiving, and remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

I am particularly grateful to the Richland County EMTs who rescued me on July 3 after I fell and broke my hip. The pain was the most excruciating I have ever experienced.

One EMT stayed behind and beside me all the time. He informed me gently that my doorways were too narrow for a gurney, so they would have to carry me by hand. He told me to expect increasing pain, but if I stayed still, they would get me out to the ambulance as soon as possible. And they did.

There are many people who provide community services, such as firefighters and police officers. They are sorely underpaid and overworked. They are our neighbors, friends and relatives. Let us not forget that they are genuine heroes.

Meredith J. Clifton

Columbia