November, the eleventh month of the year, is a time when the deciduous trees in the northern states are largely leafless and a wide range of animals prepare to hibernate. Cold temperatures, with or without snow, typically begin to set in and hold steady. This year, Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3, 2024. While we gain an hour of sleep, and the sun rises earlier, this means that the sun will set earlier, too. And, because the earth is tilted away from the sun in winters, daylight hours grow shorter. But all is not lost because there are many wonderful things about this fall month that make it significant. Two special holidays come to mind – Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a holiday in the United States that honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on Monday, November 11 and is a federal and state holiday in all states. The day focuses on the bravery and sacrifice of all veterans, people who served in the active military, naval or air service and were honorably discharged or released. To observe the special day, folks can attend ceremonies and parades and/or volunteer help or financial support to organizations that aid veterans. Support can assist with housing, medical care, or ongoing care. Per Donorbox.org, the following are some of the amazing organizations who provide crucial services to those who have served:
- The American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Disabled American Veterans
- State-operated Veterans Affairs Offices and County Veteran Service Offices (CVSO)
Veterans gave their all to protect and defend America. It is only fitting that their sacrifices are recognized, appreciated, and widely honored.
Thanksgiving Day
The very first “Thanksgiving” was not celebrated in November – but started in October of 1621 in commemoration of the Pilgrim’s first harvest in the New World. From President Washington on, heads of state designated the date in which to observe Thanksgiving. In 1863, President Lincoln made it a national holiday on the last Thursday in November. During the depression, the “late” Thanksgiving date negatively affected the shopping season by shortening profits for American businesses. (In those days it was “bad form” for retailers to display Christmas decorations ahead of Thanksgiving.) Moving the date up would also provide a longer period of temporary work for the unemployed. So, in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to November 23. FDR proclaimed, “More than three centuries ago at the season of the gathering of the harvest, the Pilgrims humbly paused in their work and gave thanks to God for the preservation of their community and for the abundant yield of the soil.” He explained that it was fitting to continue the “hallowed custom” and select a day in 1939 to be “dedicated to reverent thoughts of thanksgiving.” He designated Thursday, the 23rd of November 1939 as that day. Per Roosevelt House, “Not everyone was pleased by this change and the holiday was humorously dubbed ‘Franksgiving.’” For the next couple of years, states celebrated Thanksgiving on different days. Ultimately, in 1941, Congress set the fourth Thursday of November as the official holiday every year. Today, Thanksgiving remains a special holiday focused on family and thankfulness to God for the abundance of blessings we receive.
A special time of year
November is known for many special things including fallen leaves, crisp air, first frosts, and delightful harvest moons. It is also a time of deep reflection and gratitude. From honoring and supporting Veterans to gathering with those we love for the purpose of Thanksgiving; the month is to be deeply valued and specially treasured.