November 2011 e-Newsletter - ISO – International student insurance!
You know that you get a 4-day weekend in November because of it, but do you know what the real purpose of
Thanksgiving is?
One who doesn’t know can take a look at the name of the holiday and assume they know the reason, but
simply calling it “a day of giving thanks” doesn’t exactly sum it up.
It was officially declared an annual tradition by Abraham Lincoln back in 1863, and originated from an event
during the 16th century that is referred to by Americans as the “First Thanksgiving”—which was more of a
religious observance celebrated to give thanks to God for guiding them to the New World, or to the Americas.
This feast lasted three days and consisted of enough food to feed 13 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans.
The feast included berries, fruits, harvest grains, corn, an assortment of seafood, ducks, geese, swans, and
of course, turkey.
As you may already know, it’s the turkey that takes center stage on the dinner tables in most American homes
on Thanksgiving night. Beside the main course, you will also find mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes,
corn on the cob, various fall vegetables, and sometimes pumpkin pies for dessert if you’re lucky.
There are those who also argue that the original event is not something to be celebrated in the first
place—citing the conquest and genocide of Native Americans by European colonists. Of course there are two
sides to every story and everyone has a right to their opinion.
Typically, the holiday is spent with close, as well as extended family, and friends. Many Americans tend to
watch football games on television as part of the celebration. There is also a televised parade that is held
for the holiday in New York City called the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”, featuring gigantic balloons of
popular cartoon characters and TV personalities.
Now that you are better informed about the holiday, you can enjoy your 4-day weekend with a little more purpose.
Happy Holidays from ISO!
This information is brought to you by ISO insurance division, the sole provider of ISO Compass Health Insurance
Plans and the leading international student insurance provider. Due to the high cost of medical services in the USA,
we encourage you to always keep your international student health insurance up to date! The ISO staff is here to help
you so if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call (800) 244-1180 or email (mailbox@isoa.org) us.
ISO Insurance – International student Health insurance!