Editorial: Roots of gratitude

Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007 | 6:55 a.m.

President Abraham Lincoln created the nation's annual Thanksgiving holiday in 1863, writing of his thanks for a year that "has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies."

It may be difficult to understand such optimism considering he wrote the line during the Civil War. The day he chose for Thanksgiving came a week after the dedication of the cemetery at Gettysburg, the site of the war's bloodiest battle.

Still, he wrote that "in the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity ... peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict."

Lincoln saw a country that he believed would continue to prosper. He counted the country's many blessings, including an increased population, expanded territory and economic abundance.

The day that Lincoln set aside has become a symbol of American prosperity with tables laden with food, but we should recognize the holiday's roots. Although circumstances are different, Lincoln's gratitude in a time of war is admirable.

Today we would all do well to follow Lincoln's example. America is a free country and is still the land of plenty, even though we're mired in a war overseas and our economy is struggling.

As Lincoln did, we also look forward to better days. He ended his proclamation with a prayer that is fitting for today, asking that America soon would have "the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and union."

Amen.

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