Remembrance and Gratitude
November 16, 2016 | Filed under: Newsletter Articles,Uncategorized
Did you know that the West Indies island-nation of Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving, but has only done so since 1983? Grenada had been under the authority of a socialist dictatorship since early 1979 and Cuba was very active there, building an airfield that many observers believed was designed to support Soviet aircraft.
In October 1983, an internal power struggle within the government of Grenada resulted in yet another coup – this one by military leaders who were considered to be hardline communists, more extreme and favorable to the Soviets than even their predecessors. On October 25, 1983, United States forces led an invasion of Grenada to rout the coup leaders. US troops were on the island until December of that same year.
A Special Remembrance
During November 1983 when US troops were stationed and serving in Grenada, they told locals about their upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. They explained that it was a feast of remembrance and gratitude. To show their own gratitude, the people of Grenada worked in secret to surprise the soldiers with the meals they were missing at home, complete with turkey and all the trimmings.
Grenada’s resulting Thanksgiving is celebrated on October 25 with formal ceremonies in remembrance of the 1983 invasion and ultimate freedom created by US forces.
Our Token of Gratitude: A Special Veterans and Military Discount
As a token of our gratitude for those who have served or are currently serving in the US or Canadian Armed Forces, we are offering a special November Veterans Month Rebate. Individuals who are serving or have served in the US or Canadian Armed Forces who sign a contract in November for the installation of a beautiful Isaiah Industries metal roof will receive a $500 Factory Rebate after the roof has been completed. The roof installation does not have to be completed in November to receive the rebate.
Sharing in Celebration
As you plan for your own Thanksgiving celebration, we wanted to share a couple of recipes with you which we enjoy and hope enhance your celebration!
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
3 pounds brussels sprouts
½ cup olive oil
salt and pepper
1 cup balsamic vinegar
½ cup sugar
1 cup dried cranberriesTrim and clean the brussels sprouts and then cut them in half. Toss with the olive oil. Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil, and then arrange the brussels sprouts on the foil, cut side down. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts are starting to brown.
Combine balsamic vinegar and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and reduce until very thick, about 15-20 minutes. Stir frequently.
Drizzle the mixture over the roasted brussels sprouts. Add the dried cranberries, toss and serve.
Sweet Potato Souffle
4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup milk
½ tsp salt
3 TBS butter or margarine (melted)Topping
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup flour
6 TBS butter or margarine (melted)
1 cup chopped pecansMix together mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, salt, and 3 TBS melted butter or margarine. Pour into a buttered 10 x 14 baking dish.
Combine remaining ingredients to create a crumbly topping. Spread topping evenly over potato mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
From our hearts, we wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great start to the holiday and Christmas season. We are so very grateful for the many blessings we enjoy in our lives. May this be a season of remembrance and gratitude for us, like it is for the Grenadians.
Please feel free to call us at 1-800-543-8938 if we can be of any service with your roofing needs and questions.
