Thursday, November 22, 2012

A hymn of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday.  Each of us is urged by our Government to give thanks on a holiday.  There's nothing unique there - pretty much all Nations have such a holiday, and each Government encourages celebration on the chosen day.

What's unique is that on Thanksgiving, each of us is expected to decide for ourselves what it is that we are thankful for.  It is the quintessential American devolution of power to the individual, perhaps honored more today in the breach, but nonetheless enshrined in the American psyche.  You pick what it is to celebrate.

This day, perhaps the most American of all holidays, demands uniquely American music.  Fortunately, there is a wealth of offerings, from Aaron Copeland to Charles Ives, but perhaps the most quintessentially American music is this, William Billing's "Chester".  Back in the unpleasantness with his late Majesty King George, this was only surpassed in popularity by Yankee Doodle itself.  The tune is, like America itself, simple and uncomplicated.  The rendition here on banjo (as opposed to symphony) is equally simple and uncomplicated.  The ideas being addressed are deep, worthy of long contemplation and yes, thanksgiving.



May today's celebration be simple and uncomplicated, as befits this day.

10 comments:

Irish said...

Happy Thanksgiving Borepatch!

Broken Andy said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Borepatch!

Stephen Gustav said...

Have a great Thanksgiving, B

Old NFO said...

Good one and happy Thanksgiving BP!

libertyman said...

Chester, as I understand it, was George Washington's favorite tune.

Happy Thanksgiving to the Borepatch clan!

Phyllis (N/W Jersey) said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Borepatch. May family and friends make your day complete!

Rev. Paul said...

May your day be all that you hope for, and more!

Six said...

Happy Thanksgiving Borepatch from my family to yours.

Midwest Chick said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Thank you for your words, and especially for the sparrow video--I can't tell you how much that helped me see things more clearly.

agirlandhergun said...

Happy Thanksgiving!