American History : Presidential Thanksgiving Facts (Guest Post)

Presidential Thanksgiving Facts

Did you know that no one knows the exact date the first Thanksgiving meal was celebrated on? The best historians could come up with was somewhere in the fall of 1621. So how did Thanksgiving become a national holiday designated on the last Thursday of November? The answers to these questions are deep within the history of United States politics.

Did you know that no one knows the exact date the first Thanksgiving meal was celebrated on? The best historians could come up with was somewhere in the fall of 1621. So how did Thanksgiving become a national holiday designated on the last Thursday of November? The answers to these questions are deep within the history of United States politics.

George Washington made the first proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1789. The proclamation was not to give thanks to the pilgrims but to give public thanks and prayers for the ability to peacefully establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. George Washington then again made the proclamation in 1795. Then New York officially made Thanksgiving Day as an annual holiday in 1817.

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to become the national bird but Thomas Jefferson had opposed it. And it is believed that Benjamin Franklin then decided to name the male turkey 'tom' to spite Thomas Jefferson's rejection of his idea. Thomas Jefferson did offer proclamations of Thanksgiving as governor but was hesitant to do so as president as he believed in the separation of church and state.

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln set aside the last Thursday of November as the day to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving his proclamation to the nation where by he asked for his fellow citizens to give prayer and public thanks. His proclamation was about giving thanks for the bounties which the United States enjoyed as well as population growth but to also give prayer that the civil war will come to an end and bring unity back to the nations in peace and prosperity.

When the United States fell into the great depression, it was upon President Roosevelt's shoulder to lead a nation through difficult times. In 1939 President Roosevelt restored Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November in an effort to extend the Christmas shopping season to stimulate the economy. In 1941 Congress passed legislation to declare Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday and is to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November every year.

2008 has proven to be an historic year in politics with so many firsts. So as you sit around the dinner table celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends, just like the Pilgrims before us. Don't forget to also give thanks to the Presidents and Congress in history for make Thanksgiving Day and national Holiday.



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Family Articles | March 18, 2009

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lillian G. W. is a marketing executive for global consumer brands, media, and high tech businesses. She loves writing about shopping, product reviews, fashion, travel, green innovation, arts & entertainment. She spots consumer trends, explores and assembles ideas, and provides creative solutions to business challenges. She writes for IMshopping.com.

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Happy Veterans Day!

It’s November 11th. Happy Veterans Day!

Never served in the military but was hired by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and given the honor of working side by side with many who did serve in this country's armed forces. A deeply heartfelt shout out to my former co-workers at DVA and a salute to all U.S. Veterans everywhere - those who have served, those currently serving, and a special dedication to the memory of the men and women of valor who sacrificed their lives.

• November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars".
• 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day
• With the approval of P.. 380 on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
• October 8th, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation".

History of Veterans Day -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

 

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Food and Drink: Mexican Favorites - Recipes for Peace?

Published an article about a proposed solution to the "problem" of illegal immigration in the United States via HUBPages.com.  For the life of me, can't understand why everybody isn't on board with it!  Isn't the temptation of Mexican cuisine a persuasive enough argument?!  THINK "homemade fresh chorizo".  That's worth coming to an agreement, isn't it?

26 Recipes: Mexican Favorites - Slideshow

EES shares recipes, cooking tips and all things foodie!

Everyday Exotic Spices

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Follow my foodie blog for more recipes, cooking tips, etc.

Happy 2020! Will There Be a World War 3? Let's Discuss.

Ever since mankind realized that they were supposed to be counting wars ... people are on the edge because they are rightfully concerned about the possibility and regularly ask this question:

Will there be a World War 3?

There are lively discussions going in many online communities.  I donated my "two cents" to a discussion in a forum.  This is what I said:

* * *

"NOSTRADAMUS predictions for 2018 have foretold one of the worst years in global history with a string of natural disasters, the fall of the economy, and the start of World War 3."

Nostradamus 2018 predictions: World War 3 and disaster BUT survivors could live to 200

Eh! I never believed anything attributed to Nostradamus. Frankly I don't think there will be a 3rd world war because, although the countries possess nuclear weapons, nobody in their right mind really wants to use them. In a nuclear-to-nuclear showdown there are NO WINNERS. The fallout from the use of nuclear weapons is unimaginable. The earth - the land, the oceans and the sky - will be ruined FOR EVERYBODY!!

North Korea warns of nuclear showdown, ...

* * *
I made the statements above on May 25, 2018, and searched for related links on the web (see below).

It's January 2020 and wouldn't you know it? We're having this discussion. ... AGAIN!

WW3 latest news today: Is World War 3 happening right now? | World | News | Express.co.uk  PUBLISHED: 14:39, Tue, Jan 7, 2020 | UPDATED: 15:01, Tue, Jan 7, 2020

Around the Web in 2018 

Related to the Discussion of Wars and/or Politics That Often Cause Wars

• Top North Korean defector who said Kim Jong Un's 'days are numbered' predicts the leader will never give up nukes, will open his borders to tourism
• Stolen Iranian Nuclear Plans May Trigger New Inspections
• Will Trump force Modi to unfriend Iran now that the US is out of the nuclear deal with Tehran?
• Question Time LIVE: World War 3? UK to crack down on volatile Putin behaviour? Join debate

(Updated for 2018-19) EDUCATION: Top Majors for College Class of 2014 Announced - Scholarships.com Blog - Scholarship Search, Find Scholarships & Pay for College

(Post Updated for 2018-19.  See info links below.)
* * *
Many years back it was a huge deal just to be admitted to a college or university. Fortunately for me, not only was I admitted to the University of Miami but I also received a financial aid package of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans to pay for my entire four years. Getting there was one thing. Deciding what to major in? Had no clue! Good thing the first couple of years you're just taking the general education courses needed to round out your degree. It gives you time to think. Ended up with a BBA in Accounting. Very satisfied with my choice for a career path. Never regretted it. Everybody should support the educational process any chance they get. Received this information in my eMail and wanted to pass it on.

• Top Majors for College Class of 2014 Announced - Scholarships.com Blog - Scholarship Search, Find Scholarships & Pay for College

* * * * * * *

2018/19 Updates

The Top 25 Affordable Online Colleges for 2019

Best Online Bachelor Degree Programs of 2019 - US News

The Best 384 Colleges | The Princeton Review 2019 Ed

The 100 Best Colleges and Universities by State 2018–2019

* * * * * * *

Inside Harvard: A Student-Written Guide
to the History and Lore of America's Oldest University (All 350 years)

Holidays and Celebrations : Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Although my current residence is Austin, Texas and this city has many citizens of Mexican descent and Cinco de Mayo is celebrated, there isn't much for me to tell because nobody ever told me much about it. For those who might be interested in this holiday, below are a few links of interest.


Celebrate Cinco de Mayo With Vivid Images of Mexico in the 1960s – Time.com


Cinco de Mayo | Mexican history - Encyclopædia Britannica


This holiday is primarily observed by Mexican-Americans all over the United States to honor their heritage or roots. However, was born and raised in Miami, Florida and never heard of this day until we relocated to Texas.

Dancers at the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two other holidays celebrated in this state that were also unknown to me until we moved here: Texas Independence Day, March 2^nd; and Juneteenth – June 19^th.


Never knew anything about these special days. T.I.D. is unique to Texans but it's been said that Juneteenth is a worldwide celebration. Worldwide? Really?? Not sure what world I've been living in all this time, nevertheless … can no longer claim ignorance about any of these memorable events. There are important dots on the #timeline of #history of mankind and should not be ignored.  :)

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Former Slave Who Sued Master For Back Wages!

Since it's February – Black History Month - Americans usually use the entire month to shine the spotlight on the contributions of black or African Americans, I am reminded of a fascinating article about a woman named Belinda, a former slave who sued her owner/master for back wages and WON!!!

Brenda Barnes is a writer who crossed my path via Wizzley.com. Even though she only contributed two articles, the subject matter discussed is worth recycling.

• Belinda, the Slave Who Sued Her Master for Back Wages

• The Carolina Conjoined Slave Twins Born in 1851

Belinda's Petition: A Concise History of Reparations For The TransAtlantic Slave Trade

 

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    Silas Watts

It is Written … (Celebrate Book Lovers Day!)

If you have ever watched the movie “Lawrence of Arabia”, you will likely the remember the scene where Lawrence (played by Peter O' Toole) uttered the words: “Nothing! … is written.”  Evidently, it was a memorable scene because if you do an organic search, you will find several movie clips.

The words of Lawrence, instantly called to my mind a contrast between words often uttered by Jesus Christ:
“It is written.”

Jesus spoke these words so confidently, and as a matter of fact, as if being literate was a given.

Of course, among the Jews, there were Scribes and their job was to write down the scriptures for future posterity. It was clear that many of the Jews could read and write. Although it is possible that some of the Apostles were not literate. In the book of Acts, they were referred to as men who had not “learned letters”.

But beyond the Jewish people, what about the Gentile world?

Many non-Jewish civilizations had a written language, but not all of the inhabitants could read and write.

But Lord!  The gospel message? Isn't it for ALL?

~ Did Jesus already know that in this world there would be many people who could read and write? At least enough people to spread the good news to all the world.

~ Did He already know that men would die in order for the Bible – both Old and New Testaments - to be printed in multiple languages and circulated so that people all around the world could read it?

~ Did He know that Google would partner with the Israel Museum to convert the Dead Sea Scrolls into a digital format?

* * *

* * *

Being illiterate is not a social matter these days. Right? At least, not in the USA. That may be a problem for undeveloped countries. Right?

One would think that in a country like America, literacy would not be an issue. Think again.

Both first ladies – Barbara Bush and Laura Bush – chose as their platform to focus on literacy and education.

* * *
Efforts to address the problem of illiteracy?

• World Over - 2016-07-28 – America's Literacy Crisis, Kyle Zimmer with Raymond Arroyo

• Integrating Technology in Early Literacy: A Snapshot of Community Innovation in Family Engagement

• NEA - Read Across America Partners and Supporters (“Reading Buddies”)

• National Coalition for Literacy (“... advancing adult education, family literacy”)

Those 3 words: "It is written."

It's really not a casual statement to be taken lightly, is it?

* * *
This post was inspired by a friend who published a post in a blogging community, Literacy Base, where I used to be an active member.

National Book Lovers Day isn’t the only book holiday. Each year on April 23, the day Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died in 1616, the United Nations holds World Book and Copyright Day. In 2017, Conakry, Guinea was the World Book Capital.

There is also World Book Day, which is sponsored by the U.K.’s National Book Tokens.

SOURCE:  Celebrate National Book Lovers Day 2017

National Book Lovers Day is always celebrated on August 9th.

* Entertainment trivia:

The film “Lawrence of Arabia” won 7 Academy Awards. Peter O'Toole did NOT get the award for Best Actor. (REF: Academy Awards, USA 1963 ) Hey! When he accepted the lead role, maybe he should have got it writing that the Oscar for Best Actor was going to be a given. :) Gregory Peck won that year for his portrayal of the lawyer, Atticus Finch, in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. (REF: The 35th Academy Awards | 1963 ) I say the decision of the Academy was fair. What say you?

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Lawrence of Arabia

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Murder Mystery Movie Recommendation: "Big Bad Wolves" (2013)

Need a Friday or Saturday night movie pick? 

Big Bad Wolves is an Israeli-produced murder mystery, suspense thriller! The victims were innocent little girls, and the primary suspect is a bible teacher.

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Watch Trailer - Big Bad Wolves

Mark Your Calendars | Harlem Fine Arts Show Launches in Atlanta, Georgia : JUNE 26-29, 2014

BLACK ART IN AMERICA is happy to announce a major upcoming event in the art world:

The 2014 Harlem Fine Arts Show

The Harlem Fine Arts Show is in its fifth year.  It has become an annual cultural event and this summer, HFAS will continue with its four-city* tour in Atlanta, Georgia. 
*(Four cities: Harlem/New York, White Plains, Atlanta and Martha's Vineyard.)

HFAS Founder Dion Clarke says, “After ringing in opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange at the opening of the 2013 show, we are now ringing the bell for Americans of all persuasions to come and partake of what can only be described as a feast for the eyes and nourishment for the soul.”

Sound likes a great plan Mr. Clarke and I am more than happy to sound off about this show here at My Blog Stop!  

For those interested, the tour in Atlanta is scheduled for June 26-29 in partnership with the National Black Arts Festival. Talent of several Atlanta-based artists will be showcased and much much more during this exciting week of festivities.  

Black Art in America (BAIA) is a global online network that connects artists with art collectors and art lovers in 180 countries. Are you interested in becoming a BAIA member? View my profile. If you're persuaded by what you see, sign up and create your own account. There is no charge. Membership is free.

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