Thanksgiving was first celebrated in 1621 by the settlers at Plymouth, Massachusetts. George Washington was the first to issue a proclamation honoring Thanksgiving during his presidency. The only other president to issue a Thanksgiving proclamation was James Madison. It was Abraham Lincoln who issued a proclamation that made Thanksgiving Day a national annual event. Ironically, the first national observance of Thanksgiving under this proclamation came a week after the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg.

Be thankful for your life.
Be thankful for your family.
Be thankful for our hobby.
Be thankful for everything.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Image of 1936 Gettysburg Commemorative Half Dollar courtesy of the US Mint.

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