Your Harrison Wishes You a Happy Thanksgiving!

Honoring a Tradition Rooted in Gratitude and American History

As families across Harrison gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, Your Harrison extends warm wishes to all — may your homes be filled with peace, comfort, and the joy of togetherness.

Thanksgiving, as we recognize it today in the United States, has a long and meaningful history shaped by gratitude, community, and national unity. Its origins trace back more than four centuries to the early 17th century. In 1621, English settlers at Plymouth Colony and members of the Wampanoag Nation came together to share an autumn harvest feast, marking what is widely acknowledged as the first Thanksgiving celebration in the American colonies. This gathering symbolized cooperation and the mutual reliance necessary for survival in the New World.

For many years afterward, Thanksgiving was not a uniform, nationwide observance. Local celebrations varied from region to region, often connected to harvest seasons and local customs. Still, the idea of dedicating a day to giving thanks continued to take hold.

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress recognized national days of thanksgiving to celebrate victories and milestones. In 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation under the newly formed U.S. government, calling on citizens to express gratitude for independence and the nation’s new Constitution.

Yet, a true national holiday would not be realized until decades later — thanks largely to the tireless advocacy of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor and author who spent years urging elected leaders to establish Thanksgiving as a unifying American tradition. Her campaign finally succeeded when President Abraham Lincoln embraced the idea at a critical moment in history.

In 1863, amid the Civil War, Lincoln proclaimed that a national Thanksgiving Day would be observed each November. His intent was to bring the country together at a time of deep division, encouraging Americans to reflect on shared blessings and hopes for peace.

Thanksgiving became a permanent annual holiday, and in 1941, Congress officially set the date as the fourth Thursday in November — a tradition that remains today.

Modern Thanksgiving has grown into a beloved celebration filled with family gatherings, festive meals, parades, and a spirit of appreciation for the abundance in our lives. Though traditions may differ from home to home, the core message remains unchanged: gratitude.

From all of us at Your Harrison, we hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, kindness, and the company of those who matter most. May the season remind us of the importance of community and the simple act of giving thanks. Happy Thanksgiving, Harrison!