Page 18 - November2026LifeInNaples

November Traditions:
Gratitude, Citizenship and Valor

Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian honor of someone who served to protect
that freedom. Visit CollierVotes.gov/
utumn has always been my VETERAN to share a veteran’s story or
favorite time of year. During my explore the Honor Wall.
designating Nov. 26 as a national day
Afirst year in paradise, I barely of thanksgiving and prayer. Decades
noticed the subtle changes the season Veterans Day later, amid the darkness of the Civil War,
brought. But after 48 years of calling Veterans Day began as Armistice Day,
President Abraham Lincoln called upon
Southwest Florida home, I have learned commemorating the end of hostilities in Americans to observe the last Thursday
to treasure those understated moments— World War I—the “Great War”—at the
of November as a national day of
the shifting patterns of sunlight, lower eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the
Thanksgiving.
humidity, gentle breezes and the fragrance eleventh month in 1918. The tradition remained largely
of jasmine drifting across the lake. Following World War II and the
unchanged until 1939, when President
In an instant, I am transported to Korean War, Congress broadened the Franklin D. Roosevelt moved
memories of pumpkins, colorful mums observance to recognize all who had
Thanksgiving forward by one week. He
and preparations for some of November’s served in the United States Armed Forces.
hoped that lengthening the Christmas
oldest and most meaningful American In 1954, the 83rd Congress amended shopping season would encourage retail
traditions. the 1938 law by replacing the word
spending during the final years of the
“Armistice” with “Veterans.” President Great Depression.
Election Day Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the
The change was quickly nicknamed
It may not be our most festive legislation on June 1, officially establishing
“Franksgiving,” a combination of
tradition, but it is certainly one of our November 11 as Veterans Day—a day to “Franklin” and “Thanksgiving.” The term
most important. honor American veterans of every era.
was coined by Atlantic City Mayor
Federal Election Day is held on the This year, Southwest Florida will mark Thomas D. Taggart Jr., and the decision
Tuesday following the first Monday in the occasion with Veterans & Valor 2026, created confusion and controversy
November. In 1792, states were permitted an evening when patriotism comes to life
across the country. Some states followed
to hold presidential elections at any in a joyful celebration of America’s heroes. Roosevelt’s proclamation, while others
point during the 34 days preceding the The November 11 event begins at
continued observing the traditional date.
first Wednesday in December, when the 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Coconut In 1941, Congress brought the
Electoral College met. Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. calendar controversy to an end by
For an agricultural nation, November Guests will gather for dinner and a
establishing Thanksgiving as the fourth
made perfect sense: the harvest was largely patriotic program featuring Lt. Col. Thursday in November, where it remains
complete, but the harshest winter weather Allen West, U.S. Army (Ret.); Grammy
today.
had not yet arrived. As communication Award-winning country music legend Taken together, November’s traditions
and transportation improved—particularly Lee Greenwood, the voice of “God Bless
remind us of who we are as Americans.
with the expansion of the telegraph the U.S.A.”; and award-winning country
Election Day calls us to participate.
and railroads—concerns grew that early artist and songwriter Ira Dean. Veterans, Veterans Day asks us to remember.
election results could influence voters in active-duty service members, Gold Star
Thanksgiving invites us to pause and give
states casting their ballots later. Congress families and members of the community thanks.
eventually established a uniform Election will come together in gratitude for those In the quieter light of a Naples/Collier
Day. who answered our nation’s call.
County autumn, these traditions carry an
Voting is more than a right; it is Veterans Day reminds us that freedom even deeper meaning: gratitude for our
a privilege secured and protected by is never simply inherited. It is defended,
blessings, respect for our responsibilities
generations of Americans. preserved and passed from one generation and enduring appreciation for those
That connection is beautifully to the next by men and women willing to whose courage allows us to live in
expressed through the Collier County serve something greater than themselves.
freedom.
Supervisor of Elections’ Vote in Honor
of a Veteran initiative. The program Thanksgiving See Dr. Bolin on 239LIVE Morning Show
invites residents to nominate a veteran or Thanksgiving is one of America’s most on Tues. and Fri., 10 a.m.-Noon; Facebook,
active-duty service member for inclusion cherished traditions. Instagram or YouTube. Share your ideas for
on its virtual Honor Wall. The next time In 1789, President George LIN stories or 239LIVE guests by contacting
you vote, consider casting your ballot in Washington issued a proclamation her at BubbyBeeCharmer@pm.me.

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