As we gather on this special day to be thankful for the many blessings in our lives, it’s worth remembering how Thanksgiving became the holiday we know today. Although harvest celebrations took place as early as 1621, it wasn’t until 1863—amid the suffering of the Civil War—that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving. Encouraged by writer Sarah Josepha Hale, who believed the country needed a unifying tradition, Lincoln called on Americans to pause and give thanks. His hope was that gratitude, even in hardship, would help heal a divided nation and remind people of their shared blessings.
In our remarkable community, we have much to be thankful for: the beauty of our surroundings, the family we love, the friends we cherish, and the generosity that shows up in small and steady ways. May your Thanksgiving holiday be full of love, laughter, and gratitude. To those who are on the road this weekend, we wish you safe travels.
PS Don’t forget to compliment the chef!
–Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: clipart.com)