We are Thankful for Our Country, Soldiers, Families, Customers and Friends!
Last week I had the privilege of attending a ceremony for an individual who is a Commander with the Navy Seals. This very moving ceremony gave me a glimpse of the sacrifices these individuals make so that we can enjoy our Freedom. Next week this individual will leave his wife and small children to return to Iraq. As I talked to him over dinner, he wasn’t seeking accolades; he was just doing his job.
Back at the Seal Headquarters, they have enshrined the combat uniform of Michael Monsoor, a fallen comrade who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions that saved the lives of others. This memorial serves as a reminder of the valor displayed on a daily basis, not only by the Seals but all our soldiers serving throughout the world.
This Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving. I know the last couple of months have been brutal for the economy, but this ceremony helped affirm just how much we as a country have to be thankful for. If you’re interested in a moving presentation giving thanks to those who serve our Country, we invite you to go to TranzAct.com and click on the Thanksgiving Link.
A couple of years ago we sent a note about the origins of Thanksgiving. It remains one of our most popular pieces of correspondence. Though the origins of this Holiday start with George Washington calling for a National Day of Thanksgiving, the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of each November is because on October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued the Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. If you look at excerpts from this Proclamation, it’s clear who Ole Abe was giving thanks to:
“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come…The Population has steadily increased, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God…It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, …to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens…and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.” (Click here for a full copy of the Thanksgiving Proclamation).
This week, we can follow Abe’s advice and not forget the source of our blessings, and thank God and His provisions for this great country. As you gather, please keep the members of our military in your thoughts and prayers. We wish you the very best this Thanksgiving Day.
