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In 1789, when President George Washington declared Nov. 26 of that year a day of Thanksgiving to express gratitude for the creation of the United States of America, that declaration probably was overlooked or ignored by many, if not most, of his countrymen --- if those countrymen even had heard that a declaration had been issued.
At that time, this new country was continuing its struggle for survival, and every day was a challenge.
Meanwhile, the development of mass communication still was far in the future. It can be presumed that people were so caught up in the trials and tribulations of their own existence that they hardly had time to peer into what was happening in the "outside world" of this land.
If several families did gather together in response to Washington's Thanksgiving declaration, most discussion probably focused on what was happening in the compact environment of the home front -- such as whether the growing season had been successful -- not about whether the United States of America was a bad idea that never should have been pursued.
However, such discussion was reported to have occurred to some degree, especially among people who were dealing with the greatest hardships -- although some of America's founders also at times had expressed similar thoughts.
Unfortunately, thoughts like that continue to exist today in what is supposed to be a more enlightened age -- but such opinions must not succeed, or this country will have much less about which to be thankful, not only during this day's observance but likely throughout future years.
Beyond Thanksgiving's beginnings and its evolution toward when and how it is celebrated today, reflection should center on the two parts of the word, "thanks" and "giving."
The "thanks" needs to encompass much more than the basic gratitude regarding this country's creation. It also needs to embrace appreciation of community, neighbors, friends, public services and those dedicated people who otherwise serve honestly and with dedication in positions of responsibility.
Meanwhile, there are myriad opportunities for giving, within the spirit of Thanksgiving, and people of Blair County routinely respond to needs and the needy.
Back in November 2019, Pope Francis decried the "greed of a few" that he said worsens the poverty of others.
As part of that message, he expressed dismay over what he said was "indifference of society toward poor people."
The pontiff said "we go our way in haste, without worrying that gaps are increasing, that the greed of a few is adding to the poverty of many others."
Like the saint who inspired Francis' choice of name, Francis of Assisi, the pope has made paying attention to those living on society's margins a priority of his work.
It would be well if more people, while reflecting on Thanksgiving's meaning, would seek additional ways to put "giving" into play.
Families can do that around the dinner table in an exercise more potentially productive than arguing about politics.
"Pass the turkey, hold the politics" was the headline over an article published in the Mirror on Nov. 23, 2017. That article made the point that "those who do think there's at least some possibility of politics coming up are somewhat more likely to feel optimistic about it than Americans as a whole."
It is appropriate to ponder, though, what George Washington would think if he were alive to partake of all that happens around some Thanksgiving dinner tables of 2023.