Did Abraham Lincoln Make Thanksgiving a National Holiday?
Thanksgiving, a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. The question of whether Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday is a topic of great interest. While Lincoln did not establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday, his role in promoting and popularizing the celebration cannot be overlooked.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, served from 1861 to 1865. During his presidency, the country was deeply divided by the Civil War. Amidst the turmoil, Lincoln played a significant role in shaping the national identity and values of the United States. One of his contributions was to promote the idea of Thanksgiving as a day of unity and gratitude.
The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century when the Pilgrims, who had settled in what is now the United States, shared a meal with the Wampanoag Native Americans. This event was seen as a celebration of the harvest and a sign of gratitude for the blessings received. Over the years, the celebration of Thanksgiving became more widespread, with various states observing the holiday on different dates.
In 1863, during the height of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. The proclamation was issued on October 3, 1863, and it set the date for the celebration as the last Thursday in November. This proclamation was significant because it marked the first time that a national holiday was established by a president.
While Lincoln’s proclamation did not legally establish Thanksgiving as a federal holiday, it played a crucial role in promoting the holiday across the nation. The proclamation emphasized the importance of unity and gratitude during a time of great strife. It encouraged Americans to come together and give thanks for their blessings, regardless of their differences.
The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving continued to grow in popularity, and in 1941, Congress passed a law that officially designated the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. This law was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was in office at the time.
In conclusion, while Abraham Lincoln did not make Thanksgiving a national holiday, his proclamation in 1863 played a significant role in promoting the holiday and emphasizing its importance as a day of unity and gratitude. Lincoln’s efforts helped to shape the national identity of the United States and ensure that Thanksgiving remains a cherished tradition for millions of Americans.
