Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-11-28
Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving.
Many days of national Thanksgiving
have been observed since the custom
was established in this country on
which there have been especial causes
for gratitude for blessings enjoyed
and benefits gained. But no Thanks
giving OF the past approaches this day
for significance or for occasion for
heartfelt and universal expression Of
appreciation. This day finds America
victorious in q war which it entered in
defense of its rights and for the check
ing of world evil. It finds the prin-
ciples for which this country has stood
before the nations in the way Of &C
ceptance in the making of final peace.
We are thankful today for the quick
ness and the completeness of the vic
tory vouchsafed In the field of battle.
We are thankful for our comparative
immunity from destruction and loss.
We are thankful that our people were
SO thoroughly united in the prosecu-
ton of the war, SO determined to sue
coed, so willing in their sacrifices, 50
prompt in their services. We are
thankful that when the hour struck it
found the country ready in spirit, if
not in actual fact, for the supreme ad
venture into a field that had taxed
the strength of the nations Of Europe.
We are thankful today that in the
beginning of this contest Belgium,
France and England and that which
was Russia stood steadfast against the
power of evil that ragged and sought to
dominate. For had those nations, joined
later by Italy and others, not resisted,
to the fullest extent of their strength,
that power would, through success
abroad, have stood as a menace to
American security. We are thankful
that we were enabled in the months
of our neutrality to be of assistance to
the forces of righteousness, without
departing from the strict official i'm
Partially imposed upon us by inter-
national law
Looking back over the months of
our participation in the war there is
much now to find as cause for thanks
giving. We accomplished marvels Of
organization and provision in brief
space of time. Mistakes were made,
incident to the hurry and the lack of
foundation. But money was supplied
in abundance, and there was no lack
of energy. If the money was in a
few instances misspent and the ener-
gies we're now and again misdirected,
the loss and waste were to be attrib-
uted chiefly to zeal and eagerness. We
are thankful that on the whole our
program of preparation and partici
patton went forward so smoothly and
efficiently.
When the hour of armistice came
We were in mighty force, on the field
and at home, prepared for measure
VI CACCtiSC pSA tiSi pdtioh thot dSIouAo
ed the world and dismayed the enemy.
On an immense scale we had made
ready, with an army overseas infinite
ly greater than the enemy in his i'm
pudent confidence believed possible
and with a reserve at home steadily
swelling through the peoples patri-
otto acceptance Of the principle Of uni
versal service. 1t may almost be said
that America won the war through the
men who did not cross the seas and
the materials that were not yet ship
ped.
Now, the war is won and we face
new problems, difficult ones, taxing
our craftsmanship and our patience.
There are dangers ahead, grave and
menacing. But the spirit Of unity that
has prevailed during the past year and
q half and proved the winning factor
in the war may now be relied upon to
bring the nation through this crisis.
For that spirit Of unity and for that
prospect of . successful disposal Of
the domestic problems now to be ap-
proached the American people have
today their chief reason for giving
thanks.