Thanksgiving Day in 1945 was on Thursday, November 22, 1946, as proclaimed by President Harry S. Truman. It was the first Thanksgiving holiday after World War II had ended, and while it was a time for celebration, it was also marked by the new tension of the emerging Cold War. The proclamation for Thanksgiving Day called for the nation to give thanks for its blessings and rededicate itself to preserving liberty.

If you’re new to this blog, I’ve been recounting my father’s exploits before, during, and after WWII, 80 years ago. You can check out all of the older posts here (or click on the “At First Light” tab above and then “Military Blog”  from the drop down menu). Here’s what he and his new love interest, Mary Katherine, were doing around and on Thanksgiving 1945. This is from the book, At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse.. Phil Larimore is recovering after losing his leg in the war at Lawson General Hospital in Atlanta.

That fall, he and Mary Katherine attended horse shows, hunted several times with her father, and continued to cut the rug on dance floors.

The more she took him dancing and dining, the more proficient he became with his pros­thesis. Riding and dancing became more comfortable. Even the foxtrot and swing dance moves became effortless because Mary Katherine was such an excellent dance partner and companion.

Without even trying, she taught him to lead her. She brought out the gentleman in him. He was a better man due to Mary Katherine.

The riding barrel at the hospital was a very popular success with the PTs and the men. So much so that Phil was enlisted to help establish an equine-as­ sisted physical therapy program.

Mary Katherine and her father provided the horses at the nearby city park stable. The horses proved themselves as being naturally intuitive and able to sense and mirror their rider’s mood. They became excellent therapeutic animals and helped the men’s balance, strength, and confidence. It was a resounding success that he enjoyed doing with her.

Their long talks became comfortable to the point where, for the first time, he was able to start talking about the war. The gruesome battles. The hand-to- hand combat. The horrific sight of his buddies with their heads blown off or bodies cut in two. The tremendous losses. His final battle.

She listened carefully, helping Phil clarify his thoughts and sort through his emotions. She asked probing questions, gently at first, and more pene­ trating as time went on. He felt comfortable sharing with her.

She didn’t judge; she listened and learned. She brought him out of a deep, dark foxhole of horrific memories and quickly became his true and trusted friend.

Phil celebrated a southern Thanksgiving at her parents’ home: a roast turkey, green bean casserole, scalloped potatoes, and hot buttered biscuits.

He wanted to reciprocate by taking Mary Katherine to Memphis at Christmas­ time to meet his parents, both to introduce them to her and also to assuage his mother’s increasing complaints about him not coming home as often as he had in the past.[1]

~~~~~

[1] Larimore, At First Light, 291.

Learn more about my book about my father’s heroics and exploits at Amazon’s First Light page here. You can also read more of my WWII blogs here!

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2025.