Thanksgiving – a Reflection

The Thanksgiving holiday has come to mean so many things: family, food, football. Most of all it’s a day to reflect on our gratitude for those in our lives who bring us joy and the opportunities we are afforded throughout our lives.

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.” Cicero

As you celebrate the day and give thanks for whatever is dear to you … family near and far, your work or the enjoyment of retirement, the support of friends, the gift of freedom, abundance of nourishment, your journey through life … reflect on the goodness. Here is some Thanksgiving trivia to help you appreciate the journey of the Thanksgiving holiday:

• Most people think the holiday started in 1621. In reality, it was the result of a good harvest and the “day” was a three day celebration. The Indians brought five deer as a gift for the Pilgrims and venison was served along with corn, barley, and chicken. Not a turkey or potato was in sight.
• The tradition technically started in 1789 when President George Washington proclaimed a day in November an “official” Thanksgiving but was not celebrated every year.
• Thanksgiving wasn’t celebrated nationwide until the 19^th century.
• Sarah Hale, a writer, petitioned to make Thanksgiving an annual national holiday, creating recipes for turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie for the occasion.
• During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the final Thursday of November as the national holiday.
• During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt moved the date one week earlier to encourage retail purchasing for the holidays and boost the economy.
• In 1941, it was moved back to the traditional fourth Thursday of November.
• The annual Presidential Pardoning of the Turkey began in 1989 and has continued each year since.

SOA is thankful every day for each and every one of you … our patients, our friends, our families, our vendors, our referring primary care physicians, our staff, and our charitable partnerships. Sarasota Orthopedic Associates wishes you a holiday filled with reflection, health, joy, and thankfulness.