The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-11-27
A Day nf Thanks

once more the nation celebrates the tradition OF
giving thanks for its blessings. To very many there
may come the thought that there is little to inspire
sentiments of gratitude There are many Jobs when
there are few Jobs
On this day It might be well 10 read again the
story Of the first Thanksgiving, and from it find
hope. The men and the women who had left their
homes In Europe to escape official tyrannies and
coercion, especially in matters Of conscience bravey
had met the many hardshps Of primitive living.
The supply of food had been scant Their pro-
lection from the cold Of winter had been the crude
cabins constructed with their own hands
They discovered at the end of their first summer
that they had plentiful supply Of food for winter
and came, with piety reverence and humility, to give
thanks 10 the God they worshipped fo these blessings
They had gone through experiences such as have
been suffered by few of the vast number of
poyed No community chests private charities had
come to their rescue. Their creature comforts were
fewer than are to be found even in homes Of those
whom misfortune has driven to temporary relief from
social agencies
They were grateful because they not only had
preserved life itself but had kept bright and clear
the purpose and the faith which had driven them
across the seas.
They reioiced that they had not faltered in the
service of the principles in which they believed and
which they considered more important than bodily
welfare or even life itself
If you have such a faith or a belief in any prin-
ciple, you can be thankful today. For it is only
belief in some great principle magnificent
cause that makes life worth living at all. The man
or woman who lacks these. lacks everything
The spirit which inspired these early pioneers was
handed down from generation to generation as new
visions came to the people and new hopes for human
happiness came to their hearts.
e.ffoJ
at Valley Forge when the theory of monarchy
replaced by one of self-government and liberty be-
came more than the whim of king, but inalienabe
right
That same courage met the problem OF human
slavery and sent the heirs to the great legacy of
swerving purpose to forever Danish the unthinkabe
ownership Of by another.
That same idealism sent our youth to France
when they were told that they were to fight last
war which was forever to end all
Be thankful that the people still are courageous
and still follow ideals when they presented in
clear plain pictures that all can understand.
Do not be thankful because there may be people
in the world who are more hungry colder and with
less shelter But you can be thankful that out of
each unfortunate experience in national life has
come determination to Danish human suffering and
that combined genius and courage finally finds way
to end all wrongs.
Just as kingly tyranny, human slavery, feudal con-
troll of human life have been banshed, also will
unemployment be ended and charity become I'M
necessary.
If you have any spark of the faith and courage
which sent the brave pilgrims to their knees in
wooden chapel be thankful that you are heir to
that spirit and that you have an opportunity
great as theirs to help Danish all the obstacles which
stand in the path of real and true human
brotherhood.