Since I am travelling today and do not have access to my finger-pounded-laptop, I am going to share with you a new historical perspective of Thanksgiving ... one that just hit my mailbox yesterday. It does not involve the traditional pilgrims and Native Americans, but it is a legal thriller. The year was 1945 ... the public trial involved accused Nazi war criminals and Nazi organizations ... the place was Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg's Palace of Justice.
Professor John Barrett shares this great story about Thanksgiving in Nuremberg. The lead prosecutor for the United States was Justice Robert Jackson. In his four-hour opening statement, Jackson considered his role a privilege for participating in the first trial in history for crimes against peace in the world. According to Jackson, "
That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury, stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captives to the judgment of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power ever has paid to Reason."
Here's where the story gets good ... and brings you a different (and perhaps better) understanding of this day. You see, the day after Jackson finished his opening statement was Thursday, November 22, 1945 ... Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Barrett reports that the Allies did not take the day off to observe the American holiday, but they did give thanks. Following a small courtroom service, which included a Thanksgiving prayer, the trial resumed.
Major Frank Wallis was one of the many trial attorneys who represented the United States. His scope of the trial focused on the Nazi rise to power in Germany and the Nazi's plan for an aggressive war. The day after Thanksgiving, Wallis wrote a diary entry about his experience:
….Thursday, Thanksgiving day—I was reached. It is difficult to attempt to record any emotions as I stood up in the courtroom—before the prisoners dock—and the 8 judges—before some 350 newspaper men and women, the cameras and more cameras—and started to present the 1st phase of the American case—the common plan and conspiracy—the seizure of control by the Nazis, the consolidation of that control—in short what happened in Germany during the pre war era—the terror, the ruthless purge of the opposition—the destruction of organized labor, the persecution of the churches, the persecution of the Jews, the militarization of the youth and of the country—all in preparation for a gigantic war of aggression aimed at the domination of Europe. As I looked at them [the defendants]—it was with a feeling of scorn and contempt—mixed with a bit of awe—when I remembered how close they came to success in their mad undertaking. Next I was conscious that I was speaking to the world—not only the world of today—but the world of future generations—as this was history that was being made and recorded, history that would be in the school books, history that would be a source of study for years to come by International lawyers and students. However, I did not have much time or opportunity for reflection—I had a job to do—to drive a few nails into the coffins of the [expletive word for "illegitimate child"] with words—and for the next four hours I proceeded to do it to the best of my ability. I don’t think that I will ever forget Thanksgiving 1945—and I doubt if I’ll ever spend another Thanksgiving—in a strange country, in an International Court Room prosecuting such low level scoundrels—I certainly hope not.
Before you think I am a history buff or an old wartime scholar ... think again. I received this post from another attorney earlier this week. And the words of Wallis
immediately pierced my heart and mind. I wonder whether I am fighting for righteousness and truth and peace and justice and love "to the best of my ability." Certainly not. I should. My words and my actions are forming the next generation. Let's start with my kids. What about my kids' kids? What about my kids' kids' kids?
Do you understand what I am saying? We
all have the ability to be a Jackson ... or a Wallis ... to make a tremendous impact on the future. I don't know what drives those dudes ... but when you add the
GodThruMan power promised in
Philippians 4:13, then you can begin to truly fight for Righteousness and Truth. ( ...
Did you notice the capital "R" and "T" on that one? ...)
Start with your family. Then your friends. Then your co-workers. Then the rest of the
World. Do it with the best of your ... and His ... ability. You can make a difference. Be safe this weekend and Happy Thanksgiving!
"The Stretch Pad" 
"The Mind Games" 
