Turkeys, in my opinion, are one of the ugliest birds around. I mean, what in the world? Just look at the poor thing. It looks like it has some kind of cancer growing all over its head and face. Sure, it has a beautiful tail span and amazing ability to stop traffic with a hiss and a gobble, but… You have to admit, the creature would make a remarkable addition to any list of Star Wars aliens.
Despite being ugly and the number one choice of hunters for Thanksgiving Day dinner, the Turkey has become a symbol of American history. The wild turkey, native to America, or Meleagris Gallepavo as some of us turkey experts like to call them, were running free in the woods, eating up bugs and other tidbits, sleeping in trees, and losing feathers as they went for many years before someone thought to lock them up in pens and force-feed them until they were nice and plump for our discerning palates.
When I was a child in grade school, we learned about the first Thanksgiving. The pilgrims and Native Americans sharing food and information, being neighborly and thankful for everything God had supplied them with in this blessed and abundant country. I’m pretty sure they didn’t have running water, electric ovens, dish washers, or televisions, but they made do with what they had and were very grateful.
They shared the work, the food, and the after-dinner entertainment.
I don’t know if there are still public schools that talk about the importance of thankfulness or if they just dwell on indoctrinating children in the art of navel gazing, but Americans do have a lot to be thankful for. Regardless of our recent bout of divisive rhetoric in the news, rioting in the streets, and shortage of neighborly love these days, God has blessed this country with an abundance of good things.
There’s a rumor that Ben Franklin called Thomas Jefferson a “Tom Turkey” when Franklin opposed the idea of declaring the turkey as our nation’s national bird. I always liked to read about Ben Franklin and was quite impressed by his total lack of common sense when he decided to fly a key on a kite during a lightning storm. But I have to admit, the Eagle is a much more regal bird for our nation’s icon. Sorry, turkeys.
Around 90% of homes (over 45 million) in the U.S. eat turkey for Thanksgiving Day celebrations. That’s a lot of drumsticks to go around.
Whether you are a turkey lover or not, I hope you will remember that the very name of this holiday explains what it’s all about. Giving Thanks.
I’m thankful for all of you. To show my appreciation for your continued readership, I am giving away Christmas in Port Scuttlebutt thru the end of November. You can pick up your copy at any online bookstore. Just click here> Christmas in Port Scuttlebutt
Also, don’t forget that A Man Can Die but Once is available December 1st! PreOrder your copy now and be the first to read the new Double Barrel Mystery.
*Leave a comment and share one of the traditions, foods, or activities you and your family enjoy at Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Yes. Thankful I am not a turkey, but I would love that drumstick.