This Month in New Bern History – November 2020 By Claudia Houston, New Bern Historical Society During November our thoughts often turn to family, food and home in preparation for Thanksgiving.  Although we deeply associate the story of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving with this celebration, Thanksgiving has strong roots in the Civil War. Through the years, many of our leaders have asked that a day be set aside to express our thankfulness.  The Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War asked that days be dedicated to give thanks, and in 1789 George Washington issued a proclamation of thanks during the first year of his presidency.  Presidents John Adams and James Madison issued proclamations as well. During the Civil War, the Thanksgiving holiday was a ...