By Worcester P. Bong

November is the month in which Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in America as a federal holiday. Families and friends gather to express gratitude for good health and well-being. Earlier in the month, on November 11^th, (also a federal holiday) is Veterans Day, celebrated to honor and express thanks to all U.S. military veterans.

During Arizona’s early territorial years, the Governor at the time would issue a proclamation of Thanksgiving observance. In the November 23, 1867 issue of the Arizona Miner, the proclamation was printed in its entirety. The beginning read as follows, “To the People of Arizona, the President of the United States having designated Thursday, the 28^th instant, as a day of general thanksgiving and praise to God. Now, therefore, I, Richard C. McCormick, Governor of the Territory of Arizona, do recommend that the day be observed in this new country, where, even amid unusual exposure and trial, the pioneer is constantly reminded of the goodness and mercy of Him who controlleth the destinies of men.”