This week, I appreciate the opportunity to wish each of you and your family a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday.
The American tradition of Thanksgiving provides hope for all our tomorrows. I highly recommend re-reading some of our Nation’s founding documents. They lend perspective on today’s issues.
The first Federal Congress passed a resolution September 28, 1789, asking that the President of the United States recommend to the nation a day of thanksgiving. And in response, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November 26, 1789, as a “Day of Publick Thanksgivin” – the first time Thanksgiving was celebrated under the new Constitution. It was by President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Proclamation that Thanksgiving came to be commemorated each year on the last Thursday of November.
While he was serving as governor of Massachusetts, John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence, issued a Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise. The text begins: “In consideration of the many undeserved Blessings conferred upon us by GOD, the Father of all Mercies, it becomes us not only in our private and usual devotion, to express our obligations to Him, as well as our dependence upon Him; but also specially to set apart a Day to be employed for this great and important Purpose.”
Among the Town of Marlinton’s many blessings, I am thankful to report the water-loss rate continues to go in the right direction, having been reduced to 31% at last billing.
Christmas decorating in the Town is in progress. We hope to have all decorations up by November 22. Lights will not be turned on until November 27.
That should get everyone in the Holiday spirit for Small Business Saturday on November 30.
REMEMBER: It is always good to support your local shops and merchants, because when your club is looking for a donation, there is little need to call on out-of-town businesses.
This year’s Christmas Parade is scheduled for Friday evening, December 6.
Kudos to Mitchell Chevrolet for sponsoring cash prizes to the first, second and third place winners. Santa will welcome children at the Gazebo following the Parade. Come out and expect a good evening.
