Happy Thanksgiving!
November 25, 2009
On December 4, 1619 English settlers at Berkley plantation in Virginia declared an annual day to give thanks to God for their safe arrival in the New World.
Two years later, the pilgrims in Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts did the same. The Continental Congress declared the First national Proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1777.
The first Thanksgiving Day was designated by the national government of the United States of America through Proclamation by President George Washington on October 3, 1789.
It wasn’t until 1863 that Thanksgiving Day was regularly scheduled for the final Thursday in November by the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln.
Finally, on December 26, 1941 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed a joint resolution of Congress fixing the fourth Thursday of November as a natio nal holiday beginning in 1942.
It is important for us never to forget the original reason for Thanksgiving Day, to give thanks to God for all that we have. This Thanksgiving, let us not forget our men and women in uniform stationed here at home and around the world. Their sacrifice of time away from their families is what enables us to be free here at home. Let us also not forget those who have lost their lives, so that we may be free.
As a 30-year veteran with combat experience I understand what it means to be away from your family and loved ones for prolonged periods of time. This year and every year, let us never forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
From my family to yours, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! —Ben Loyola
And don’t forget to join us at the Republican Advance to celebrate our great victories this November. Join us at the Loyola for Congress Hospitality Suite on December 4th at the Marriott in Williamsburg, Room H.
Ben Loyola is a candidate for the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. He’s a 25-year resident of Virginia Beach, 30-year Navy combat veteran, successful businessman, and Conservative Republican.
