Primarily, a time for giving thanks, the Thanksgiving Holiday means many things to each of us. It is a time of turkey and pumpkin pie. It is a time to be thankful for our family and friends. Friends that we have contact with on a regular daily basis, and some that I choose to call friends that I have never personally met, those who are serving in the Armed Forces protecting our freedoms.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in the midst of the Civil War, inviting “my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise for our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”
In keeping with Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation, whenever and wherever possible, our troops stationed around the world and those fighting our wars are given a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. History tells us that Thanksgiving has been celebrated in turbulent and sad times. .
The spirit of Thanksgiving has been woven into the tapestry of the American spirit. And the hallmark of that American spirit is a tough will to win over stubborn odds. That American spirit is also a gentle caring about those in need and a desire to help. We celebrate this Thanksgiving at a turbulent time in our history. The American spirit and all it means have rarely been needed as much as now. There are times that we are overwhelmed by rough and hard times, both emotionally and financially. I like to believe that the sun will come up tomorrow, and better times are not far away.
It is a time to give thanks for the smaller in size, but larger in value (and I do not mean in monetary of dollar value) things in our lives. Those who care for us, who take time to call to just to check in and share their thoughts and make us smile. The freedom to exercise our right of free speech, to worship where we choose, or not worship at all. Those who have given to food banks, agencies and churches that offer those who are down on their luck with daily living necessities, such as food, rent or medical assistance, and utility assistance.
Most of all, I am thankful for my family, my friends, and my choice to live where I choose here in Southern Maryland. This year, I am especially thankful that I have been invited again to Bethesda Naval Hospital to assist in the preparation and to serve a home cooked meal to those service men and women who are recuperating from wounds they suffered while protecting our freedoms.
I wish each and every one a Blessed Thanksgiving and a safe and happy holiday season.
