Though the Pilgrims shared a feast with the Wampanoag Indians at Plymouth Rock in 1621, some folks claim that the first Thanksgiving actually came two years earlier, in December 1619 in Berkeley Plantation, Va.
Others claim the Pueblo, Cherokee, Creek and many other tribes had been holding harvest festivals for centuries by the time the first Europeans set foot on the North American continent.
George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving in 1789, and presidents have been declaring the observance annually since Abraham Lincoln called for a day of thanksgiving in the midst of the Civil War in 1863.
“This day’s roots are intertwined with those of our nation, and its history traces the American narrative,” President Barack Obama wrote in his Thanksgiving proclamation.
The day has been observed on the fourth Thursday in November since Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the tradition into law in 1941.
In his proclamation, Obama noted that Americans arrived in this country from around the world.
“While we observe traditions from every culture, Thanksgiving Day is a unique national tradition we all share,” Obama wrote. “Its spirit binds us together as one people, each of us thankful for our common blessings.”
He urged Americans to reach out to fellow citizens in need of a helping hand.
“This is a time for us to renew our bonds with one another, and we can fulfill that commitment by serving our communities and our nation throughout the year,” Obama wrote.
He urged Americans to come together in homes, churches, community centers or any other place where family, friends and neighbors could gather to express gratitude for our blessings and to share our bounty with others.
It would be easy, particularly now as our economy recovers from the worst downturn since the Great Depression, to focus on our challenges and hardships. Life, for many of us, could certainly be better.
But we should remember the example of the Pilgrims. They had seen many of their friends and family members perish during a difficult voyage. And even after reaching their destination, they were struggling to survive in a strange new world.
Still, they took time to share what they had and to say thanks for their blessings.
Let us all follow their lead. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
— Logansport Pharos-Tribune
Opinion
Today is a day to count our blessings
- Opinion
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Cast a vote for centers
The issue: Vote centers in Howard County.
Our view: Centers are less expensive to operate and more convenient for the average voter.
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White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
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Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
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Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
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Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
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If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
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Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
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Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
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Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
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Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
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Cast a vote for centers
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