NOVEMBER 2024
"FATHER KNOWS BEST"
Happy Thanksgiving!
By Rev Protodeacon George A. Haloulakos
This year marks the 70th Anniversary of "Father Knows Best." This classic TV show, which which aired on NBC from 1954 to 1960, featured Robert Young (Jim), Jane Wyatt (Margaret), Billy Gray (Bud), Lauren Chapin (Kathy) and Elinor Donahue (Betty). Interestingly enough, after the first-run episodes concluded in 1960, the show was still broadcast in reruns on primetime during the early to mid-1960s, thereby creating a multi generational following. During its first run episodes and repeats on primetime, "Father Knows Best" aired on all three of the major TV networks of that time. This series ranks among the very best family shows of all time as many of its episodes dealt with topics that are still relevant today. It is available for purchase on DVD and the entire series can be viewed on demand for free from various streaming services.
Like so many other family shows from the 1950s and 1960s, "Father Knows Best" featured numerous Holiday themed episodes. The first Holiday episode aired during Season One on Sunday, November 21, 1954 with focus on the family's preparation for Thanksgiving Day. In this episode it appears that the family will forgo gathering together for Thanksgiving dinner due to scheduling conflicts. But in the end the parents and children decide that sitting down together to share a Thanksgiving dinner is the best way to celebrate. The closing moments feature a rather poignant, touching scene in which the family sits around the kitchen table as the father leads them all in prayer. In wishing all of you, our wonderful GNN audience, a Happy Thanksgiving, here is that wonderful prayer said by Robert Young that affirms the eternal truths of faith, family and love.
"Oh Lord, we give thee thanks from the depths of our humble hearts for all the blessings thou has seen fit to bestow upon us. We thank thee for the food, which graces our table, the roof, which covers our head.
"We thank thee for the privilege of living as free men in a country which respects our freedom and our personal rights to worship and think and speak as we choose.
"We thank thee for making us a family, for giving us sincerity and understanding.
"But most of all, dear Lord, we thank thee for giving us the greatest gift a family may know--the gift of love for one another. Amen."
What are your special memories of Thanksgiving? Is there something in particular that you are grateful for? Are there any particular endearing recollections of watching "Father Knows Best" or other family 1950s-1960s sitcoms? Please share your memories and thoughts on this month's blog by either posting to the Galaxy FACEBOOK page or writing directly to me at: Haloulakos@gmail.com
