Something a  little different from the CEO Bookshelf during this month of Thanksgivings! Have you considered that many people equate the President to a CEO? Occasionally, the President as a CEO issues a critical memo or proclamation to the public intending to convey a significant message.

Did you know that 160 years ago Thanksgiving was officially made a national holiday by means of a Presidential Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln?  It happened during a very challenging time in our country’s history. Lincoln realized we needed to take a moment, even in a time of great strife, and be thankful for what we have.

Thanksgiving is a special day when we surround ourselves with family and friends to share a special meal and give thanks for the many blessings we have as a community and a country. Even in that dark time of the Civil War, Honest Abe knew there was, and always will be, a lot to be thankful for. Take a take a moment and reflect on some of the words of Abraham Lincoln in his proclamation that made Thanksgiving a national holiday way back in 1863:

“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, we cannot fail to remember the ever watchful providence of Almighty God……

…..I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, 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”.

May the true spirit of Thanksgiving be with you and your family.