Senator Barry DeKay – 40th District
Giving Thanks
In 1621, the early settlers of the Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag Tribe met to celebrate the blessing they received from the previous year: a successful harvest. This gathering is considered the origin of our country’s modern Thanksgiving tradition.
Thanksgiving then initially continued largely as a regional observance in colonial New England. In these early years, the meaning of Thanksgiving varied by location. In some areas, Thanksgiving was a celebration of the autumn harvest. In other areas, Thanksgiving was a solemn affair where, instead of a day of feasting, it was a day for fasting and quiet reflection.
The formalization of Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the United States took many decades. During the Revolutionary War, the First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777 to celebrate the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga.
George Washington became the first president to declare a national Thanksgiving Day by setting aside Nov. 26, 1789, to recognize the role of Providence in the creation of the United States and its new constitution.
In 1863, amid one of the most dire times in our nation’s history (the Civil War), President Abraham Lincoln set the precedent that the country would observe the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the legislation in 1941 which largely codified the precedent set by President Lincoln, making the date of Thanksgiving a matter of federal law where it continues to stand today.
While Thanksgiving continues to evolve as each generation brings new meaning to the day and how it is celebrated, it has become a tradition where families can share a meal and reflect on all that we are grateful for together.
As we gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, it is important to thank and acknowledge the hardworking men and women in our communities. Farmers, ranchers, truck drivers, and many others ensure that we have food on our tables. Educators, nurses, social workers, doctors, and first responders work to care for the people in our communities.
The men and women who currently serve or previously served in the military have sacrificed so much for us in defense of our nation. There are also countless unsung heroes who use their talents, time, and efforts to better our communities in so many different ways, all of which we are thankful for.
As we come together for Thanksgiving, I personally want to thank each of you who have taken the time to read my weekly newsletters or connect with me or my legislative office. Your communication, feedback, and support are truly humbling!
I want to take time to extend an invitation for you to let me know your thoughts or concerns ahead of the upcoming legislative session, which is fast approaching. My Capitol office telephone number is (402) 471-2801 while my email is [email protected]. My mailing address is: Senator Barry DeKay, District #40, P.O. Box 94604, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509.
Finally, my wife (Brenda) and I, along with our entire family, wish you and your families a happy, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving!
