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Thanksgiving in 1918

Published November 6, 2018 Submitted by: Renee

"More cause for real thanks this year than any since custom is established.

"Not since the early days when our Pilgrim Fathers created the Thanksgiving idea, will the last Thursday in November mean so much to the American people as will the Thanksgiving Day of 1918.

"With Austria vanquished, the unspeakable Turk unconditionally surrendered, and Bulgaria disarmed, and with Germany whipped to a frazzle and ready to capitulate, surely the whole civilized world will join in with America on this gladsome occasion.

"But when we pause to think that the boys in khaki, more than 2,000,000 of them, are on foreign soil fighting your battles and mine, unselfishly fighting that democracy may live all over the earth, is there not something we owe the brave Americans?

"Secretary Baker says the seven great organizations comprising the United War Work Campaign, looking after our soldiery over there, deserve every aid. President Wilson appeals to a generous people for generous donations November 11-18.

"Don’t you think your turkey will taste better Thanksgiving Day if you send cheer to our boys over there? Let’s get behind this great movement and let our boys know that we are proud of them and appreciate their sacrifices."

Though the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, the war did not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, June 28, 1919.

On this 100th anniversary year of the Great War, the Library District will host a community observance with a series of programs November 7-17. See our website for program descriptions, dates and times.

Uncle Sam poster courtesy of University of Missouri Library Special Collections and Rare Books. Photograph courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri.

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