Walberg Weekly Wrap-Up: "A Time to Give Thanks"

Press Release

WALBERG WEEKLY WRAP-UP: "A Time to Give Thanks"

Washington, Nov 23 - In Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 230 winters ago, while bracing for the worst of the season's fury, General George Washington ordered his 12,000 men to celebrate a day of thanksgiving.

Even though the snow was deep and many of the men were wearing tattered shoes, Washington wanted his troops to express gratitude for life's gifts.

Albigence Waldo, a surgeon at Valley Forge, wrote of the December 18, 1777 festivities in his diary:

"Universal Thanksgiving - a Roasted pig at Night. God be thanked for my health which I have pretty well recovered. How much better should I feel, were I assured my family were in health. But the same good Being who graciously preserves me, is able to preserve them and bring me to the ardently wish'd for enjoyment of them again."

Soon thereafter these men fought together and helped win the independence all Americans enjoy today.

It was that same desire for independence that united 103 pilgrims from London as they traveled aboard the Mayflower to Plymouth Rock.

After a season of hard work, disease and brutal weather, just 53 pilgrims remained, but those that did found reason to give thanks.

Together, they joined Wampoanag Indians, native Americans who crossed a cultural divide and counseled the settlers on how to fulfill basic human needs, to celebrate the first Thanksgiving back in 1621.

Thanksgiving is the most enduring of American traditions because of how powerfully it speaks to our national mission - that from the simple virtues of faith, brotherhood and hard work emanate the tools needed to endure hardship and achieve lasting greatness.

On behalf of my family and staff, I want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and joyous time as you celebrate and give thanks for life's many blessings. God Bless you and God Bless America.

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