Do They Celebrate Thanksgiving in Liberia?

We were at church with a dear friend from Africa this last Sunday. She asked me, “Papa – what does it mean – Thanksgiving? Why do we celebrate it here in America?”

Do you know the answer? After a little research this is what I found …

The first Thanksgiving in the U.S. was celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. It was a time to celebrate the Pilgrim’s first harvest in the New World. 53 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans joined in the celebration over three days. The event included lots of eating, playing games and – big surprise – even consuming some “adult beverages.” (There was, however, no record of football or TV.)

It was during the Civil War, in 1863, that Thanksgiving became an official holiday. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” Although I knew of our American tradition, I did not know that it is also celebrated in a few other countries such as Canada, Liberia, and Grenada. That said, Thanksgiving is essentially a unique and core American Holiday – one more thing that I love about our great country.

At Wealth Legacy Group, there is so much to give thanks for … starting with a career that now begins its 38th year serving clients. What a privilege it is to get to know and help clients achieve a lasting, positive legacy within their family, business, the lives of their employees and the world at large. I love what I do more than ever … how many others can say the same? For this, I am truly grateful.

Assisting me is our extraordinary “Tribe” of Vymean, Kathy, Theresa, Brian, Carol and now Gail. It is a pleasure and honor to work with such a diverse and multi-talented team serving the wonderful clients we are privileged to serve. Achieving a record year such as 2014 is not something I take for granted, nor the new strategic allies that have contributed to our growth. Once again, for these things I am truly grateful.

In speaking for various business and professional groups, I regularly find an underlying confidence and courage by business leaders to face whatever the world, government and life might throw at them. There is so much to learn from so many people … great and small … that “school is always in session” for those willing to learn. “Interesting people are interested people” is never more true than today.

The non-profit Center for Wealth & Legacy™, which I helped co-found six years ago, has grown far beyond anything we could have imagined through the giftedness of those attracted to serve in its leadership roles. The Center’s annual Leadership, Legacy and Inspiration Awards™ event was by far our best attended, and most impactful thus far. Our four Business Legacy Mentoring Series™ breakfasts have featured visionary leaders making a significant positive impact in the for-profit world, and helping others grow and reach for fulfillment of their own special dreams. More information about the Center and the quarterly breakfasts can be found at the Center’s website: www.wealthlegacycenter.org.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all of the blessings that we have been given. But an “attitude of gratitude” can and should be something that takes place more than once a year. What would our world look like if we took even a few minutes from our busy schedules to remind ourselves of all the blessings that have been provided to us? And, as we bask in the warmth of all we have truly received at so many levels, as Americans we show our greatest appreciation by living out a life of gratitude … every day.

From all of us at the Wealth Legacy Family of Companies … Happy Thanksgiving! May it be more than a single day, but one day of gratitude built upon another, and upon another!

Imagine That™”!

 

Imagine That™! is a complimentary monthly newsletter provided by Wealth Legacy Group®, Inc. that addresses various topics of interest for high-net-worth and high-income business owners, professionals, executives and their families. To be added to our monthly list, please click here.

Written by R. J. Kelly – November 2014