More than 350 years ago, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by pilgrims at the Plymouth colony in present-day Massachusetts. Though their harvest was mediocre at best, they had a three-day celebration with food provided mostly by the Wampanoag tribe.
It wasn’t until 1863, though, that this observance became a national holiday after Abraham Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation. The day acquired its own symbol - the turkey, Benjamin Franklin’s preferred choice for the national bird.
The Thanksgiving tradition has continued unabated ever since.
This Thanksgiving, we should be thankful:
For the order that has been preserved in the United States, despite not knowing who the next president will be and for the many Americans who have realized the value of every vote. For our families, and for the dorm food which makes us even more appreciative of home cooking. For still surviving despite the pile of debt that faces most college students, one that won’t have to be faced until after graduation. For gays being accepted into public service positions in Michigan, as shown by the election of Ingham County Commissioner Chris Swope and state Rep. Chris Kolb, D-Ann Arbor. For the outstanding job ASMSU has done this semester with its work on putting SIRS evaluation forms online, for creating a new student-friendly riot policy and avoiding internal strife. For MSU’s American Indian Studies program, which brings new light and recognition to those with Native American ancestry. For the small businesses that have thrived and co-existed with large national chains moving into East Lansing. For the balmy autumn and especially warm weather this semester, and the brightness of the fall colors on campus. For the start of basketball season at MSU. For new traffic lights on campus which made driving and crossing the street at many busy intersections safer. For the positive attitude of new women’s basketball coach Joanne P. McCallie and her continued encouragement of MSU students to support her team. For the Main Library’s CyberCafe, which provides a comfortable place to study and is now open 24 hours a day. For any restaurant that delivers food to the doors of MSU students in cold weather. For the temperatures that, while accompanied by wind and snow, have yet to fall below zero. For the holiday decorations on many MSU dorms, even if some of the letters are burned out already. For the continuing tradition of painting the rock on Farm Lane, despite recent controversies surrounding it, and the continued freedom students have to use it as a public forum For all professors who canceled class today. For this semester, because it’s almost over.
Discussion
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