This week in November honors Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and the death of President John Kennedy. Even though these events happened long ago, they remain relevant to our country’s development. It is wise to revisit our history–both in our national life and in our own personal lives.We may not be aware that it is Lincoln’s proclamation that gave us our traditional Thanksgiving Day in November. In honor of our great leader and guide, here are his words:
“My advice is to keep cool”
Speech, Feb 14, 1861
“The year that is drawing to its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are conconstantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God………
“Needful diversions of wealth and strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship….Population has steadily increased….and the country, rejoicing in the conciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
“No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I, therefore invite my fellow cvitizens 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………”
Also stated by Lincoln:
“The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time”
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