I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy holiday. If one feels that this year’s is not a “real” Thanksgiving because of everything going on in our world right now, it might be helpful to keep in mind that this is a centuries-old tradition and that we have observed the occasion through wars, depressions, health crises, and other calamities before. In the image above we see a Thanksgiving camp scene drawn by Alfred R. Waud in November 1861, just when it was dawning on Americans that the “ninety day war” many had anticipated that previous spring was going to take longer to resolve. As these men settled into winter quarters, they did not know what the future held either.

Remember the spirit of the holiday. If able, reach out on this day to others who you think might need a special boost. Making someone else’s day a little brighter will do the same for yours as well. Be safe and be careful. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

(image/Library of Congress)