As we extend our best wishes to all our residents who make this such a special place to live, and all our employees who work so hard to provide a high level of service to you, it seems fitting to reflect upon the words of Abraham Lincoln from the first Thanksgiving Day Proclamation in 1865. While some of the sentiments expressed are specific to the Civil War, they still ring true when considered in light of the unfortunate civil strife that still exists today. Rather lengthy, but well worth the time to ponder and reflect:
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 so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary in nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God. It has seemed to me to be 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 do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them while offering up the ascriptions justly due him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purpose, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.
In the spirit displayed by Abraham Lincoln and in gratitude to the Almighty, we wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Paul Adamson, Mayor
Original source can be found here
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