Anonymous ID: 2bc1ea Nov. 28, 2024, 7:05 a.m. No.22070511   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>0523

Thanksgiving, as we celebrate it today, didn’t always look like this.

 

Its roots go back to the 19th century, shaped largely by the tireless efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book.

 

Starting in 1846, she campaigned passionately for a national Thanksgiving holiday. But it wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared two Thanksgiving days: one in August to honor the Union victory at Gettysburg and another in November to reflect on “general blessings.”

 

Over time, the November tradition became the Thanksgiving we gather for today.

 

This year, as we get ready to sit at the dinner table with family and friends, I couldn’t help but reflect on what makes this holiday so special.

 

Thanksgiving is more than just a feast; it’s a day that brings people from all backgrounds together.

 

Each of us, or our ancestors, came to the United States for a reason—seeking education, better opportunities, or freedom from persecution.

 

Despite the diversity in our stories, Thanksgiving serves as a unifying thread, reminding us of the values and freedoms we share in this country.

 

Often it has been brought up: why confine gratitude to just one day?

 

It’s true—we should practice thankfulness every day.

 

But there’s something unique about Thanksgiving. It’s a moment when we pause together, as a collective, to reflect.

 

Like stepping into a sanctuary, it’s our yearly opportunity to honor the struggles of those who came before us while celebrating the blessings of today.

 

Thanksgiving connects the past to the present in a way few holidays do, blending gratitude with remembrance and unity.

 

To me, that’s what makes Thanksgiving irreplaceable—a day that’s not just about giving thanks but about coming together to celebrate resilience, hope, and our shared humanity.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

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