Acknowledging thanks goes a long way. Having an attitude of gratitude is often exemplified when vocalized to others. November is a particularly poignant month to reflect on the blessings surrounding us.
For example, consider the great land we love: The United States of America. Here, we enjoy the privilege of many freedoms. What you may not realize is how these freedoms are intertwined into a strong relationship between our Veterans and Thanksgiving Day.
Each year we can celebrate the Armistice of 1918-ending WW1 on the 11th hour, the 11th day of the 11th month. 2018 marks 100 years since the ending of WW1.
Last year on November 11th, 2017, Major Brent Taylor of the Utah National Guard, and Mayor of North Ogden City, spoke at a Veteran’s Day Memorial in Ogden. At the time, Major Taylor had previously served in Iraq twice and Afghanistan once. A small gathering of fellow Veterans, American Legion Members, citizens of Ogden and North Ogden gathered together to hear his words.
“Thank you, Veteran’s, today. The sacrifices of so many of you and your comrades, throughout our nation’s history have made it possible for America to be a source of light, scientific growth, and human progress throughout its entire history.”
Major Taylor talked of George Washington, our first great Commander. He reminded the audience that, “After the Constitution had been invented, Washington instituted the first holiday of Thanksgiving with a Proclamation.”
Taylor goes onto say, “It was not about a dinner but about thanking God for all the blessings he’d given them in the Revolution.”
November 26th, 1789 began as the first day of public thanksgiving and prayer. The National Thanksgiving Proclamation states:
“Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be…and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.”
We learn great truths and the love for God the early American people had. General Washington states in the Proclamation, “That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country…”
The acknowledgement of God has given the people, of America, then and now, the understanding of his divinity and hope. Furthermore, the awareness of God’s existence in their lives.
Major Taylor added, “America has become a beacon on a hill. A country who has done better on earth, despite the problems we have and continue to have than any other nation.”
These words of Major Taylor, said with such intention, are more meaningful than ever. On November 3rd, 2018, Major Brent Taylor was killed while serving in Afghanistan. He was there to help strengthen the soldiers and bring good to the country of Afghanistan. He was nearly finished with an unprecedented year long deployment with only a few months shy of coming home.
Many hearts are saddened and broken, shocked and hurt. It will take years of healing. Brent is survived by his dear wife, Jennie and their seven beautiful children, Megan, Lincoln, Alex, Jacob, Ellie, Jonathan, and Caroline.
Major Taylor truly lived by his motto of serving God, Family and Country. While serving one he was always serving the other. He will be sorely missed. Veterans Day will always take on new meaning, especially for the residents of North Ogden and those who loved and knew Major Taylor.
“God and County. They have always gone together. When you celebrate Thanksgiving remember it has always been tied to Veteran’s Day-- to our military. To those who have sacrificed for this country and that’s how this holiday has come about.”- Mayor Major Brent Russell Taylor
Please enjoy time with your families this Thanksgiving holiday. Remember the valiant efforts of our Veterans who have served and, some, who have given everything.
