On Thursday, the United States will celebrate Thanksgiving, a national holiday that we trace back to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. The first Thanksgiving, which was celebrated with a feast, was an opportunity to show appreciation for the harvest of the preceding year.

In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November to be a day of thanksgiving. President Roosevelt signed a joint resolution of Congress in 1941, changing the date of the national holiday to the fourth Thursday of November.

Historically many countries, people and religions celebrate a special day of thanks; their reasoning varies from religious customs to remembrance of a special event all of which typically culminate with a great feast with Family.

Much like the past, this year many friends, Family and loved ones will celebrate this great holiday by coming together to enjoy a great meal and give thanks. As service members, there are times when spending Thanksgiving with your Family isn’t achievable as our nation leads combat and humanitarian missions across the globe.

However, these service members will dine together with their brothers- and sisters-in-arms as an Army Family. Also the military has developed its own tradition to ensure service members know their efforts are appreciated. Dining facilities across the globe prepare a special Thanksgiving meal, which is served by senior leaders in the area.

Historically, serving service members their Thanksgiving meal has included the highest of ranks such as our president and senior general officers serving all branches of the military in combat zones to command teams serving their Soldiers a holiday meal in their dress blues in a military dining facility.

The intent of this tradition is one out of many opportunities to show that our military is a Family and we as leaders serve and appreciate our Soldiers for their willingness to volunteer to serve their country. Regardless if the service member will be home for the holiday or serving our country abroad, our service members will celebrate Thanksgiving with a great feast, surrounded by people who care about them.

It’s a tradition that I’m proud to participate in.