The year 2020 was certainly one for the books.

Between the COVID-19 pandemic, a highly contentious presidential election and movements for racial, social and economic justice amid increasing socio-economic, cultural and racial tensions, it’s been a year that’s changed us forever as individuals and as a society.

It’s a year that has taught us much, and asked much of us.

We’ve all had to make sacrifices and choices, many of which we never thought we would be asked to make.

We’ve had to ask tough questions of ourselves, our communities, our states and our nation.

We’ve watched our families, friends, neighbors and community wrestle with these choices and sacrifices, as well as the ensuing divisions over questions such as individual liberty versus collective responsibility.

It seemed there were no easy answers or simple solutions in 2020.

And we will likely have to wrestle with many of the same issues and challenges this year.

This may seem daunting, but here at the Journal, we’ve seen firsthand how our community has overcome obstacles to band together during the most difficult year in recent history.

Countless area residents have joined together to make and distribute masks, donate and deliver meals, surprise our health care workers with messages of love and support, as well as offer safe opportunities for connection in the form of drive-by birthdays, graduations and more.

And these few examples are only scratching the surface of all the kindness and courage we saw from area residents in 2020.

The displays of strength, courage and compassion we saw in our community amid a year like no other gives us no shortage of hope for Yoopers in 2021.

Because if we are willing to work together and act with compassion, there is no limit to what we can do in this new year.

And we know Yoopers can do this.

We’ve seen it time and time again in our history, and these days might be different than any in recent memory, but one thing doesn’t change: the enduring spirit of Superiorland.

So let’s start this new year off right: with hope, kindness, and that united Yooper spirit.