Mike Haridopolos Representing Florida Senate District 26

Take Time for Thanksgiving

Nov 25, 2009

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning 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.”

President Abraham Lincoln
October 3, 1863
Proclamation of Thanksgiving

October of 1863 was a difficult time for the United States of America. The United States’ army was at war, involved in the bloodiest conflict the young nation had faced. In response to the threat posed by seceding states, the nation’s government was growing rapidly in size, as were the unprecedented costs associated with financing it. The war-torn economy was in shambles, and citizen’s civil liberties were being suspended. An invading Southern army had only recently been turned back at Gettysburg, and the continued existence of the country itself remained an open question.

This period of time was perhaps the darkest period in America’s history. But despite the hardships being faced by the men and women on both sides of this “Civil War”, Americans in 1863 left a lesson on dealing with difficulties for future generations to learn. While it would have been understandable for the Americans of 1863 to fixate on their hardships, instead they took time to set aside a day of thanks. Why did they do this? Perhaps they knew that by pausing to reflect on their blessings they would restore their ability to greet the future with optimism instead of fear.

In many ways, today’s Americans are not so far removed from the Americans of October, 1863. Like that earlier generation of Americans, perhaps we need to temporarily set aside the many problems we face to take time to give our Creator thanks for the many blessings we enjoy. It just might be that by taking the time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for, we, too, shall demonstrate that resiliency of spirit that has long been a hallmark of Americans.

As a history teacher, I know that the lessons of the past often have practical application in the present. On this Thanksgiving Day, I hope that you will join me in thanking our Creator for the blessings and the liberties that all Americans enjoy. Our precious liberties, described in the Declaration of Independence as unalienable rights granted to us by our Creator, should never be taken for granted. Instead, they are gifts for which we should always be thankful. As such, I also ask that you pause to reflect on the sacrifices of the brave men and women who help to protect and preserve these cherished gifts.

On a personal note, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your constant support of my efforts in Tallahassee. Knowing that I have your support and your friendship strengthens my hand when dealing with the pressing issues facing our state. I feel truly blessed to be able to count on you, and I thank you for your ongoing interest in the affairs of our state and nation.