November 23, 2016
Dear Friend,
We have so much to be thankful for in this great nation. We live in a country where we can choose leaders who represent our shared values and will go to great lengths to protect them. The freedoms we enjoy are also made possible through our nation's service members. While we celebrate this U.S. holiday with our families, our military men and women continue to watch over us at home and all over the world.
Thanksgiving Day: The History
When we think of Thanksgiving Day, the Pilgrims celebrating an abundant Fall harvest by sharing a meal with Native Americans may come to mind, but that's not the whole story. In 1789, President George Washington called on Congress for an official day of public thanksgiving and prayer. The holiday did not become an official annual event for the nation. President Abraham Lincoln was the first to proclaim Thanksgiving Day as an official day of observance in 1863. Every president would follow suit in future administrations. At the time, the American Civil War was raging. The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania and The Battle of Vicksburg in Mississippi turned the tide in favor of the North, but at the cost of thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers' lives.
Even though the Civil War was at its height, President Lincoln wanted Thanksgiving Day to serve as a symbol of a united nation and to be a reminder of all they had to be thankful for. His proclamation says it best. Here is an excerpt:
"I do therefore invite my fellow citizens...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. And I... commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the imposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purpose, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union."
Let us all be thankful for President Lincoln's determination to bring our great nation together and as part of his legacy, leave us with a permanent reminder how important it is to be committed to God, family and country.
Source: James Cornelius, Curator of the Lincoln Collection at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
How can we assist you?
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Jim Owen
Mississippians have a long history of taking care of each other. We know the value of a good neighbor and always try to reach out to them when we see a need. That's a quality you can find in our field representatives throughout the First District including Jim Owen. He cares so much about the needs of our constituents he serves in Union, Pontotoc, Tippah, Lee and Lafayette counties.
Jim, a New Albany native, understands the importance of developing and maintaining relationships. He has worked tirelessly to make sure your voice is heard on Capitol Hill and proves it daily by simply listening to your concerns. His decades of devotion to public service include 20 years as a New Albany Alderman and later as the Tippah County Administrator. He also served in leadership roles for Mississippi furniture manufacturers.
Jim brings to the table all of that experience with one mission in mind which is to make sure your needs are being met. "I enjoy meeting and greeting people and helping them out when they have a situation," Jim said. "It's important to stay in touch with what's going on."
Please let us know how we can help. Our team is ready to assist you.
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small business saturday
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Small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy. Did you know that 63% of new jobs are created by small business? It is so important that we show them our support throughout the First District. Members of the House Small Business Committee including myself are all cosponsors of H.R. 866, a House resolution recognizing the Saturday after Thanksgiving as "Small Business Saturday."
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district work week
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For more photos from the district work week, please visit my Facebook page.
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Mike McCormick, Alderman William Brooks,
Randy Beech, Warren Carter, Rich Hillman |
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Dr. Mark Keenum and Southaven
Alderman William Brooks |
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| The J.T. Show - SuperTalk Mississippi |
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Families First for Mississippi Family
Resource Center open house |
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| Mississippi First Lady Deborah Bryant |
For more photos from the district work week, Please visit my Facebook page.
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STAY IN TOUCH
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Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook and Twitter.
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Thanks for reading,
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress
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