Back in 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared the first national Thanksgiving holiday on October 3. The accompanying proclamation stated that Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the last Thursday of November, which was typically always the fourth Thursday of the month, but not always. In 1939 however, President Franklin Roosevelt caused quite a stir when he decided Thanksgiving would be celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November rather than the fifth Thursday, the true last Thursday of November.
About half the states celebrated thanksgiving according to Lincoln’s original proclamation and half celebrated on Roosevelt’s new date. Texas, Colorado, and Mississippi took both days off! Today we celebrate Thanksgiving according to Roosevelt’s policy, but we can also this year celebrate the beloved holiday’s 100th anniversary, dating back to Lincoln’s original proclamation. Thank you Mr. Lincoln, we are forever grateful!
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.” Maya Angelou
Beyond Words 