Happy Thanksgiving 2023
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
2023 has been a very good year for us in our travel business, and it is all because many of you have trusted us with your travel plans. We are humble and grateful for the trust and hope we had added value to your trip plans and travel experiences. It is just one of many things we have to be thankful for in our lives.
So, I thought I would pass on some random facts about a proclamation 234 years ago from our first president and thoughts about Thanksgiving.
George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789
At the urging of both Houses of Congress, President George Washington declared “Thursday the 26th Day of November to render “sincere and humble thanks”. The message was primarily praise of Almighty God, but 2 parts stood out to me.
First, President Washington, after the end of the Revolutionary War states that after the conclusion of the late war “for the great degree of tranquility, union and plenty which we have enjoyed—for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been able to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness” as a good reason to be thankful.
Second, later in the proclamation, he adds he wishes that “to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to preform our several and relative duties properly and punctually—to render our national government a blessing to all people by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed.” Again, another reason to be thankful.
These are some amazing words at the foundation of our nation, from a man who many wanted to be King instead of an elected president.
We are lucky in many ways to have the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms our system of government allows; despite the very partisan divisions we face currently and many challenges we face as a nation. We are thankful we have this system of government, as should you be thankful also.
Things We are Thankful for this Thanksgiving.
I guess to start with things I am thankful for every Thanksgiving Day, it would be the 3 F’s—Family, Food and Football. Despite some strong personalities, and differing beliefs in many families, it is family that is the fabric of life—close relationships so vital to the human existence. Anne and I are thankful that we can share our lives with our family members.
Food is the source of joy and necessary to our survival and plays a key role in our lives and travel business. As we enjoy these wonderful delights today and other days, I am constantly reminded of how lucky we are to indulge and have great empathy for those who don’t have enough. We are thankful we get to enjoy this bounty and hope in some small way we can help others enjoy good food during their travels and our small donations help to feed others.
Football is a constant in my life—I will never forget my first live football game of Army vs. Navy in my sophomore year of high school, which in many ways, led me to choose to go to West Point. I played football in high school and coached at the high school level for 16 years after retiring from the Army and am thankful many parents trusted me to help young boys grow into better young men to help our nation. We all need some form of emotional experiences in our lives and football for me has provided a lifetime of ups and downs, yet it is only a game and should be looked at in that manner—there are many things far more important about who wins or loses. Still, it is fun to root for your favorite team on turkey day.
Our Clients
We would not be in business without you, our loyal travelers. We have always looked at you as friends, not clients, who deserve our best efforts. You are a demanding lot, as it should be, and our only goal is to provide with the best travel experience, we can.
We are so grateful—you folks rock!
Our Final Thoughts
We all have many things to be thankful for. It is a time to reflect and express your thankfulness for your many wonderful things that are part of your life.
Please reach out to someone today and every day you can to tell the people in your lives you love them, appreciate them and are thankful you know them.
So, from both of us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts—please be safe, healthy, happy, and prosperous—it is our wish for all.
Happy Thanksgiving!
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.
When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision making process. We think we have all these qualities.
Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@visitdd.com . We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 52 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
