When I made my grand entrance into the world in Las Vegas,
there wasn’t a whole lot here to greet me.

Of course, I wasn’t much to look at either.

Sixty-six years later, we’ve both grown considerably.

Las Vegas has added a few million people, thousands of buildings, some spectacular attractions, and enough traffic to make you wonder where everybody thinks they’re going.

I’ve added a few pounds, a few wrinkles, a whole lot of memories, and hopefully, a little wisdom.

I’ve watched a dusty desert town become one of the most recognizable cities on Earth.

I’ve seen hotels rise, legends perform, neighborhoods appear where there was once nothing but sand, and landmarks disappear that I thought might be here forever.

And somewhere along the way, while Las Vegas was busy reinventing itself, so was I.

I’ve experienced the excitement of new beginnings, the heartbreak of endings, the joy of raising a family, the blessing of grandchildren, the loss of people I loved, and the unexpected grace of second chances.

I’ve made mistakes, celebrated victories, survived disappointments, and discovered that some of life’s greatest blessings arrive disguised as things we never would have chosen.

Las Vegas has always been famous for its bright lights, big bets, and spectacular transformations.

But after 66 years, I’ve learned that the most important transformations aren’t the ones that change a skyline.

They’re the ones that change a heart.

I’ve lived my life in this city.

Every chapter.

Every season.

Every version of me.

And while I sometimes miss the Las Vegas that used to be, I wouldn’t trade the life I’ve lived here for the world.

We’ve both changed. We’ve both gotten bigger. We’ve both lost a few things along the way.

And somehow through it all we’re both still standing.

Thanks for growing old with me, Las Vegas 66 years this Thanksgiving Day.

One thing’s for certain: Neither of us looks anything like we did in 1960.

And that’s probably a good thing.