November brings us two significant holidays. First there is Veterans Day. For our younger citizens, Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American Veterans – living or dead – but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Lately, our Country seems to be in constant turmoil, and it seems almost impossible to reach a consensus on any topic. One thing that I know for certain is that this Country and the lifestyle that we enjoy as citizens of this great Country would not be possible without the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces. This Veterans day I would encourage you to fly the flag, reflect upon the role of our armed forces and reach out to thank any veteran that you may know.
Thanksgiving Day is our second big holiday this month. Just as a refresher, the Plymouth colonists lost almost half of their numbers during the winter of 1620. In March, the remaining settlers met a Native American named Squanto. Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to survive off of the land. In November of 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited their Native American allies. This is now remembered as America’s “first Thanksgiving”. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.
Living here in this beautiful City at the base of the majestic Ben Lomond Peak, I feel we have much to be thankful for. I would encourage each of you to take a moment between the turkey and the pumpkin pie to reflect on what you have in your life that makes you thankful. I would likewise encourage you to remember those that may be less fortunate, reach out to someone and help make their life better. Both you and the person whose life you touch will benefit from your action.
If you want to know more about these holidays, do what I did, go to history.com on the internet. I know what I’m especially thankful for this season. I’m thankful that you care, I’m thankful for all you do, and I’m thankful for you being good neighbors. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that Pleasant View remains the best place to not only grow up, but the best place to grow old.
Mayor Leonard Call