Thanksgiving has its origins in the 17th century, but it was in 1789 that it first got a name. George Washington was the author of the very first Thanksgiving proclamation issued by an American president. That was in 1789, designating a national day of thanks, motivated by the gratitude he and all Americans felt after gaining their independence and establishing a democracy. In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Lincoln made the day official, even as he fought to preserve the Union. It was in 1942 that President Roosevelt moved the date to the one we celebrate today.
Throughout its long history, Thanksgiving has been interconnected with the American experience, and it remains so today. It is a reminder of not only what we have, but who we are as Americans. A country filled with communities, and communities filled with people who serve and support one another. I am thinking of the firefighters who have been doggedly fighting the wildfire in Greenwood Lake for weeks, some traveling across the state – and even from out of state – to support local efforts. I am thinking of the devoted teachers in our classrooms, police officers keeping neighborhoods safe, the nurses, bus drivers, small business owners, military personnel and veterans, parents and friends who work so hard to support each other and their communities.
There is so much to be grateful for. I hope all those who celebrate have a truly wonderful week.
Happy Thanksgiving.
