Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on the richness of our nation’s history. It invites us to express gratitude for the sacrifices that secured our freedom and to honor the visionaries who gave us one of the most brilliant documents ever written—the United States Constitution. Beyond the well-known figures, this day also reminds us of the quiet patriots who worked faithfully behind the scenes. From the earliest proclamations to today’s traditions, Thanksgiving has carried deep meaning as a moment of remembrance. By revisiting our history, we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and a deeper appreciation for the legacy we share.
One of the best ways to remember to appreciate this holiday is to start reading about our deep-rooted history of Thanksgiving. If you have children, click HERE for a good resource on Thanksgiving. We can also learn a lot about why this holiday is recognized by reading the Thanksgiving proclamations from our Founding Fathers. In 1789, George Washington wrote the first presidential Thanksgiving proclamation (or listen to it HERE) under the Constitution. Did you know that the tradition of Thanksgiving proclamations began with the Continental Congress in 1777 and there have been about 180 of them since then? You can read all the proclamations HERE. Start a new family tradition and write your own family Thanksgiving proclamation. Here is some information on how to write one: Thanksgiving Blessing Scrolls: A Family Tradition to Share Words that Matter – Sanctuary Everlasting
Part of remembering our history is remembering the people who made our country great. Our Founding Fathers sacrificed a lot to make sure we live in a free society. We owe them our gratitude for shaping our nation with brilliant documents like the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. We can deepen our appreciation for our nation’s founders by learning about figures beyond the well-known Founding Fathers. Did you know there were Founding Mothers? These behind the-scenes women contributed a lot to our nation and deserve our appreciation. Mercy Otis Warren was one of these women and a true patriot who understood the “virtue of gratitude” according to Brenda Hafera. Read Brenda’s commentary called, A Drop of “Mercy” on Thanksgiving to understand the importance of gratitude at Thanksgiving and for our heritage.
Make Thanksgiving truly memorable by cultivating gratitude for our nation’s history and the many blessings we enjoy—from the people who shaped our heritage to the liberty we cherish today. Take time to reflect on the lessons of the past and consider beginning a new tradition. You might even explore a free online course from Hillsdale College, Thanksgiving Explained: Colonial America—From Wilderness to Civilization. By remembering our past, we strengthen our appreciation for the independence and freedoms that continue to inspire us.
