50+ Lifestyles

Giving Thanks for Veterans, Freedoms, Voting and Feasting

By Eloise Graham
Editor-in-Chief

When hearing the word “November” most of us immediately think of Thanksgiving. Giving thanks for turkey, pumpkin pie, and family feasts. But we also need to remember to give thanks to:

Our Veterans – November 11th is the federal holiday to honor all veterans of all wars. Originally, the date was known as “Armistice Day” and was November 11,1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I (The Great War) This day is to remember all veterans, living or dead, but especially giving thanks to those veterans still living that gave service to our country, in peacetime or war.

Our Freedoms – Our nation is based upon the freedoms that the revolutionist fought for. We need to remember our heritage, our ancestors and the veterans that protect our freedoms.

Be able to Vote – Some countries don’t have a voice in their government. Even though we complain about our government and question what our leaders do, we can still go to the voting booth and let our voice be heard. With all of its faults, our government is still the best. We just need to exercise our right and privilege on November 3.

Have a Feast Day – Thanksgiving, November 26 is a time for
family and feasting; a day to give thanks for what we have. We need to take time to count our blessings. We will probably find were have more than we thought.

Some November Birthday Trivia
1871, November 1 – Stephen Crane, an American poet and novelist, wrote the gripping combat story “The Red Badge of Courage”
1718, November 3 – John Montague, Earl of Sandwich, invented the “sandwich” as an early form of fast food during an all-night card game.
1879, November 4 – Will Rogers, the rustic American actor / comic / philosopher, “never met a man he didn’t like.”
1943, November 5 – Barry Sandler, singer and soldier of fortune, wrote and recorded “Ballad of the Green Beret”. He was also wounded training “Contras” in Central America.
1835, November 6 – James A. Garfield, our 20th President, was assassinated in 1881.
1765, November 14 – Robert Fulton invented the first successful steamship
1915, November 25 – Joe DiMaggio, ex-husband of Marilyn Monroe, was a baseball immortal.

If you have a November birthday, may it be a blessed one.