The tradition of Thanksgiving or so it has been told began in 1621 when the Colonists and the local Native Americans joined together to celebrate the harvest. For the Colonists it was not just a celebration of having a successful harvest but one of the beginning of a free society. However complete freedom took a while longer to be achieved.

It wasn’t until the Revolutionary War ended that the United States was able to shed the King of England’s reign over this country. Thanksgiving festival and feasts were held each year to give thanks to the harvest and the freedoms we as a nation had been blessed with. President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 proclaimed that this day in November would be set as a day to give thanks. Something this country needed as it was once again in the middle of conflict. This time not with a foreign enemy but with its own citizens…The Civil War.

Please take time to reflect on what you have to be thankful for. Look beyond the material things, look at the blessings in your life.  Remember family and friends whether they are… close by or far away. A call or a quick message will make their day knowing that you remember and are thankful for them being a part of your life.

Remember too…the more turkey you eat today…the fewer turkey leftovers you have to eat later!  Happy Thanksgiving!