By Kevin Kiley – November 28, 2024

In the midst of a Civil War that severed our country and killed 2 percent of its population, Abraham Lincoln issued a Proclamation “to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Counting an abundance of blessings, Lincoln said “it has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.”

In a nation then four score and six years old, he saw beyond the dark uncertainties of the moment and into a glorious future: “The country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.”

Alongside this gratitude and optimism came a plea for prayer, that Americans “commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation.”

As we approach the last Thursday of November, eight score and one year hence, I am thankful for the enduring strength of America’s free institutions and the unrivaled capacity of the people of California to chart a new course.

We have been through many hardships in recent years, yet have kept faith that our state and country are worth fighting for. I am hopeful that a tremendous year, and an ever more glorious future, lies ahead of us.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Kevin Kiley is a California Congressman