Enjoying beverages before the meal is something that my family has done for every holiday. We take time to visit with our family members and catch up with the ones we haven’t seen in awhile. During this time, I asked my father what was the meaning Thanksgiving meant to him and how it represents our culture. He replied:

“It’s the bonds that keep people together. Thanksgiving is the time in American culture where people come together. Despite differences individuals have with one another, it’s a time where we can all set issues aside and value the bonds of family.”

Michael Ingalls, interviewed by Julia Ingalls, November 23, 2017.