David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, reflected on the significance of Thanksgiving in a recent message. He recalled learning about the origins of the holiday as a child, particularly the story of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a harvest after a harsh winter that claimed many lives.
Freund also referenced historical proclamations by U.S. presidents, noting Abraham Lincoln’s call for national reflection during challenging times and President Ulysses S. Grant’s signing of the Holidays Act in 1870, which established Thanksgiving as a federal holiday. In 1941, Congress set the fourth Thursday in November as its official date.
“Thanksgiving can be used as a yearly catalyst for daily gratitude,” Freund stated. He emphasized several benefits associated with regular expressions of gratitude: enhanced mental and emotional well-being, improved physical health, stronger relationships, and greater resilience.
Freund concluded by encouraging readers to extend gratitude beyond Thanksgiving Day into the rest of the year.
