Mister Franklin, humans call him; Turkeys call him Gentle Ben. Lovingly we keep his memory From our tree or field or fen, Once our day of thanks ensures That some of us outlasted yours. Wild and canny, lithe and limber, Peaceful as a bird can be, Perching high in Yankee timber, We, true Sons of [...]
Thanksgiving is the holiday that brings us all together, whether or not we’re Christians and whether or not we’re American citizens. It’s the first holiday of the Holiday Season that begins around now and lasts until New Year. We’re so sure that saying Merry Christmas is intolerant and dogmatic that we’re all about Happy Holidays—an [...]
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States [...]
To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour. —William Blake, “To See a World…” I’ve never had strong feelings about Thanksgiving. It’s not a religious feast day, so the rituals associated with it are [...]
The religious roots of Thanksgiving speak to the essence of America, and against the danger of over-consumption. The Pilgrims remind us that Thanksgiving is not all about turkey and touchdowns. The religious roots of Thanksgiving speak to the essence of America, and against the danger of over-consumption. The Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony weren’t the first Europeans [...]
Roast the turkey that we gave you! Bake the pumpkin pie! Be deft While recalling, back in England, Folks are thankful that you left! Share and share alike, ye thundered, Property ye banish here: Why did no one plant, we wondered, Hence the hunger no one feared. Heaven will provide, you told us, And we [...]