Find Gratitude in November 2020
In November 1942, Artist Norman Rockwell painted one of his most recognized oil paintings titled Freedom From Want. The painting was part of a series of four that were inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of Union Address defining the four freedoms. In his words from that speech:
“The basic things expected by our people of their political and economic systems are simple. They are:
- Equality of opportunity for youth and for others.
- Jobs for those who can work.
- Security for those who need it.
- The ending of special privilege for the few.
- The preservation of civil liberties for all.
- The enjoyment — The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living.
These are the simple, the basic things that must never be lost sight of in the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding strength of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations.”
When the painting was completed in November 1942, the United States was deeply entrenched in World War II with both an East and West Theater. The painting was symbolic of abundance in life- family, food, and civil liberties to gather. At time when many young men were fighting overseas for their countries, it was a hopeful affirmation of American ideals post war.
In this year of COVID where American freedoms seem eroded and empty seats will be the norm at many holiday tables, it is important to recall other times in history that required gratitude in the face of great difficulty.
The Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council Celebrates World Fish Migration Day 2020
The Tennessee River Valley is known for its aquatic diversity and tournament fishing lakes. On October 24, we recognize the importance of conserving aquatic habitat and the work of the Tennessee Valley Authority for their management of the almost 41,000 square miles watershed basin comprised of streams, rivers, and lakes.
Annually, World Fish Migration Day is celebrated as a way to raise awareness of migratory fish and threats to their migration on waterways around the world. This 2020 event will be held on October 24th, with a theme of “Love Flows”. Organized by the World Fish Migration Foundation, this one-day global initiative calls attention to the needs of migratory fish to ensure that more natural river networks remain connected, and those already fragmented can be restored.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) plays an important role in balancing waterways to protect the health of the aquatic basin. Dating back to the 1930’s the TVA was legislatively charged with controlling devastating flooding in the Valley and to manage the Tennessee River for navigation. This resulted in the building of dams that impeded the natural flow of water. To correct the delicate balance between the tailwaters and the reservoirs, TVA developed a method to manage the temperature of water to support native fish species below the reservoirs.
Recently outdoor angler and writer, Etta Pettijohn caught up with TVA Engineer, Jessica Brazille to learn more about how the “hot/ cold” system at Tims Ford Dam regulates the Elk River downstream. “The success of the program is critical to fish habitat and species.” said Etta. “The Tennessee and Cumberland River systems have the highest number of rare fish species in the country, with the Upper Elk alone having nine federally listed endangered aquatic species, including eight mussel species.” To learn more click here.
When you take to the rivers to fish or to simply enjoy the beauty of the waterways, take a moment to appreciate the ongoing stewardship activities that protect and conserve the aquatic life just below the surface of the water.
Celebrate Public Land: National Public Lands Day 2020
National Public Lands Day 2020 has even more to celebrate this year. With the passage of the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, public lands will receive some of the much-needed restoration that has gone unfunded for almost a generation.
Here in the Tennessee River Valley, public land, “for the people” has been a way of life for over a century. In August of 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the bill which established the National Park Service. The mission of this new agency was “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wild life therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”
By 1940, President Franklin D Roosevelt had established the Tennessee Valley Authority’s role to include a role in managing public lands for recreation. In his address to Congress dated January 15, 19040, President Roosevelt stated.” Recreation in its broad sense is a definite factor in the improvement of the bodies and minds of our future citizens.” Today, the TVA manages 293,000 acres of land that is free for the public to enjoy.
“If we are successful here we can march on, step by step; in a like development of other great natural territorial units within our borders.” Message to Congress Suggesting the Tennessee Valley Authority
April 10, 1933
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