Thanksgiving Reflections: A Call for Gratitude in 2023

URGENT UPDATE: As Thanksgiving approaches, reflections on gratitude and unity resonate deeply in the wake of divisive times. Columnist De Vinck shares poignant insights, linking historical proclamations from Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson to personal experiences that highlight the essence of gratitude.

On Thanksgiving Day 1956, President Eisenhower emphasized freedom and sharing abundance, stating, “Let us be grateful that the foundations of freedom in our Nation grow stronger with each passing year.” In stark contrast, Thanksgiving Day 1963 found President Johnson addressing a nation reeling from the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, urging Americans to reflect on unity amid turmoil. “In each administration, the greatest burden…had been the burden of his own countrymen’s unthinking and unreasoning hate and division,” he remarked.

De Vinck, now 74 years old, reflects on his life’s journey—an existence enriched by countless ancestors and experiences. “My pulsing heart has worked approximately 2.8 billion times,” he writes, emphasizing the weight of history and personal legacy. He counts over 1,000 books in his home and has penned more than 100 essays for the Dallas Morning News, showcasing the value of education and access to knowledge.

In an era marked by division, De Vinck calls for a renewed focus on gratitude, echoing the sentiments of historical leaders. He reminds us, “Blessed are the ancestors,” as he honors his parents who immigrated from Brussels, Belgium to New York City, paving the way for his family’s legacy.

As families gather for Thanksgiving this year, De Vinck encourages everyone to pause amid the festivities. “My thanksgiving is perpetual,” he reflects, inspired by a letter from Henry David Thoreau dated December 6, 1856. His message resonates with urgency: embrace gratitude not just on Thanksgiving, but every day.

As we navigate through complex times, De Vinck’s reflections inspire a collective call for understanding, compassion, and appreciation. “May your thanksgiving be perpetual,” he concludes, urging readers to carry the spirit of gratitude into their daily lives.

This Thanksgiving, let us remember the importance of unity and gratitude as we share meals and memories, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide us toward a more harmonious future.