Munsey's Magazine, November 1911

This November 1911 issue of Munsey's Magazine features "The National Spirit of Thanksgiving," an essay by James Lane Allen examining America's six major patriotic holidays. Allen argues that despite lacking federally-mandated national holidays, the United States has elevated six anniversaries—Washington's Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving—to heroic status. Each commemorates distinct historical moments: the Revolution, the Atonement during Lincoln's era, Civil War sacrifice, national independence, workers' rights, and gratitude to Providence. Allen contends these ostensibly different celebrations share an identical underlying meaning: the balance between union and individual liberty. He concludes speculatively that future centuries will likely forget these commemorations as newer holidays replace older ones, much as successive generations ultimately honor only their immediate dead rather than ancient martyrs.