Kinder: Embracing gratitude and community spirit this Thanksgiving in Cape Girardeau

As we quickly approach Thanksgiving, I am reminded with a little research that “a day of Thanksgiving” became a national tradition in 1863, when Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring that the last Thursday in November would be devoted to “the praise and acknowledgment of God’s blessings upon the country.” In 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law the Holidays Act, which made Thanksgiving an annual federal holiday.

I’m sure we all remember, or are right in the midst of, the turkey and Pilgrim crafts at school to highlight the Thanksgiving celebrated amongst this country’s early settlers. Those who study history or the Bible know that the concept of Thanksgiving is not new or unique to America, but we can all appreciate the tradition and holiday in this wonderful country we call home.

I’d like to share parts of the Thanksgiving proclamations from two esteemed presidents. First, from President Ronald Reagan in 1986:

“Rooted deeply in our Judeo-Christian heritage, the practice of offering thanksgiving underscored our unshakeable belief in God as the foundation of our Nation and our firm reliance upon Him from Whom all blessings flow. Both as individuals and as a people, we join with the psalmist in song and praise: 'Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.'”

And secondly, from President John Kennedy in 1963:

“Today we give our thanks, most of all, for the ideals of honor and faith we inherit from our forefathers — for the decency of purpose, steadfastness of resolve and strength of will, for the courage and humility, which they possessed and which we must seek every day to emulate. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

I hope and pray for a blessed Thanksgiving for us all in Cape, no matter how you choose to celebrate it. May we all be grateful for the friends, family and abundance of blessings we experience, and also find time to share those blessings with others who may be less fortunate. It’s with a very thankful heart that I consider myself a resident of this truly great community!

Stacy Kinder is the mayor of Cape Girardeau.