I have often wondered which U.S. President made Thanksgiving a national holiday. What was it about? Why?
Well the quick answer is that it was Abraham Lincoln in 1863, because it had already been a longstanding tradition. The following year he declared it once again, some believe to heal the division of country caused by the Civil War.
The idea of this struck me, as we often travel great distances to visit family or friends whom we may not have seen for a long time to share this sacred meal, which is the completion of the fall harvest.
By the way, many others believe that the answer to the question of which U.S. president made Thanksgiving a national holiday was really Andrew Jackson who gave government employees the day off.
Thus began a tradition that has held without any real congressional rule or dictate until more than 80 years later! Because it was actually FDR who signed it into lay on November 26, 1941, just 11 days before the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor! And it was declared that the fourth Thursday in November would forever be our official day of Thanks.
So, which U.S. president made Thanksgiving a national holiday? You decide. Whether it was Lincoln, Jackson or FDR, they all had a part in passing the baton. They all helped shape our history. Isn't it a reminder that we never do anything alone?
That is the beauty of our history. We all play an important role. Take this time of year to consider what your role in history is. What are you contributing? What will this Thanksgiving Day mark for you? As you travel, some of us great distances to join loved ones, are you aware of the tradition of healing and forgiveness of this holiday?
Who can you forgive today? What act of love and healing can you perform? What is one kind thing you can do today to give thanks for all the bounty we have and share?
We at Blessed Gardens wish all of you a blessed and very peaceful Thanksgiving.
Tori Hartman
November 2007
