October is gone. November is here. The days are growing shorter, the nights longer, the air crisper. Some people are sad that Halloween is over while others are becoming excited that Christmas is around the corner. November sometimes feels like that month people just want to forget. For students, it's the last full month of school. Finals and portfolios loom over college students’ heads, waiting to attack in that first or second week of December.
But what about the good in November? What about the days spent in remembrance? And there are quite a few of them. What about Thanksgiving?
While Thanksgiving arose as a feast between pilgrims and Native Americans, whose relationship dove downhill quickly afterward, it is now a holiday to remind people to be thankful. I, for one, do not want to forget November. Especially not this year.
For starters, Guy Fawkes Day is Thursday.
“Remember, remember the fifth of November. The gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.”
Nov. 5, 1604 was the day when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the English Parliament. Now, 411 years later, people still remember that event and celebrate it in a multitude of ways. If you're like me, you recall Guy Fawkes’ attempt with the rhyme I stated above and by watching" V for Vendetta," a fictional movie set in the future, where a guy called V wants to overthrow the British government. If you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend doing so.
Nov. 11 is Veterans' Day, and another one of the reasons I do not wish to forget November this year. This past Friday, I was at my editorial internship with the Daytona Beach News-Journal. In the afternoon, I did a second read for some articles to be published on Nov. 11. These articles are part of a World War II special section in honors of veterans who fought during this war. The articles reminded me that both of my grandfathers fought in WWII, a fact I should never forget, and that this will be the first veterans day my Grandpa (my mom's father) will not be around. He died this summer, about two weeks before his 88th birthday. I miss him dearly, but he is forever in my heart. November seems like a month to remember those who have died, those who have fought, those we love, those we are thankful for, those who helped shape us into the person we are today. I will remember my Grandpa in honor of Veterans' Day.
I will be thankful of my Grandpa and how he was always there for me in honor of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, as I said before, is a day to remind us that we should be thankful. For our friends, family, and loved ones who have gone before us. For memories we have made and those we will make. For laughter and cheer around the dinner table. For comfort from those we love. For animals who love us. For adventures we will go on (like Oxford for me next semester.)
November is not just another month in the year. It's about remembering everything. November offers more than one might think. There are still pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, apple ciders, and fall leaves, if you live somewhere with four complete seasons. November, much like veterans or gunpowder treason, should never be forgotten.
