In the land that would become the United States of America, Thanksgiving has been celebrated in one form or another, on and off since 1621. It became an official holiday when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens,” to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. Americans have celebrated it ever since.

The meaning behind Thanksgiving is different for each of us. This makes sense as we are all different. It doesn’t matter if you gathered together today for unity, to teach the young about your heritage, to reflect on the abundance of gifts that fill your life, or to praise God Virginia and I hope that you found what you were looking for.

We wish you and yours a warm and heartfelt holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!