Take a Moment, Reminisce… and Make it Last

 

As the year draws to a close, we must look back and give thanks; each of us for many different reasons, some being family, friends, and health!

 

Across America many people are all getting ready to enjoy a wonderful holiday, they will reminisce of eating too much during past Thanksgiving meals and then give thanks for the one that they are about to have. 

 

I am sure when the Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, September 1620, they had no idea of what uncertainly would be ahead of them, except that they would strike out to find civil as well as religious liberty.  The journey lasted for over two months on the sea as the 102 passengers endured the harshness of the journey before landing in Massachusetts. 

 

Thanksgiving was later adopted as a national holiday due to the perseverance of Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale (editor of Godey's Lady's Book), whom for 30 years contacted President’s until  President Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, set aside the last Thursday of November as a national holiday.  In 1941 Congress permanently   recognized the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving.

 

Our Founding Fathers call it, “the pursuit of happiness,” and it is included as one of three basic human rights in our Declaration of Independence.  Let us follow the lead of the Pilgrims, our Founding Fathers, and past Presidents…Let’s us all be thankful!

 

I ask that we all remember our men and women who are serving our country and can’t be with us this holiday season.  Let us observe a moment of silence in their honor.

 

On behalf of the National VA Council, we give thanks for each and everyone of you.   Even though we are separated by miles, we want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

 

Take a Moment, Reminisce… and Make it Last.