November is one of my favorite months. I'm thinking about all of the memories I have of certain events in my life and of the important days that are celebrated in the month of November. The events that I remember and those that are celebrated are all associated with wars. But then the month ends with Thanksgiving. I never saw the connection to that November day on which we give thanks. Now I think I do.
On Veteran's Day, we honor those who have served this country, with special thoughts of those who lost their lives. I've noticed that it has now become quite common for younger Americans to approach those who are veterans and to thank them for their service. I'm sure that the vets really appreciate it. What they did, was a service to us all.
Then there is the Marine Corps birthday to celebrate. This year, the Marines will be 243 years old on November 10. I will always be grateful to the U.S. Marine Corps for teaching me how to live a life of duty and dignity. To the men and women of the Corps - Thank you and Happy Birthday mates - Semper Fidelis!
Then I remember Thanksgiving Day 1950. The war in Korea was over. We had beaten the North Korean Army and were looking forward to being home for Christmas. Despite the bitter cold, we went out as scouts to ensure the safety of our company of Marines. We came back with two prisoners that didn't look like Koreans. Things were about to change. The Chinese had entered the war and the fighting would continue well beyond Thanksgiving Day.
The other president was Abraham Lincoln who was faced with a terrible war between the states. The nation had been badly broken up by that war. Washington assembled this nation and Lincoln had to put it back together again. When the war ended, he delivered his famous Gettysburg Address and officially proclaimed the holiday of Thanksgiving Day. He spelled out clearly, not only what we were grateful for, but to whom we were praying.
It is with a deep sense of respect and pride that I display the closing lines of his profound speech.
"The country is rejoicing in its new strength and vigor, and in the increase of freedom. No human counsel or mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God.
And so it seems to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
I recommend that we implore that His Almighty Hand heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with His divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and union".
Abraham Lincoln - 1863
