The pilgrims came across the Atlantic Ocean to land here in December 1620. They were of the Puritan Sect of the English Separatist Church, and ironically, the Puritans were escaping religious persecution. They had spirit, but were perhaps poor planners, coming to the Americas in the winter time. They had no flour, cattle or dairy products, and the potato was thought of as poisonous. The wheat they brought wouldn't grow in New England's rocky soil. The native indians helped them survive to their first crop. It was the indian's culture (the Wampanoags) to welcome strangers to their villages. Together, they celebrated the traditional English harvest festival with 91 of their saviors (the native indians).
In 1676, June 29th was proclaimed as the first Thanksgiving holiday.
The celebration did not include the native indians. The celebration was meant partly to be a victory celebration over their heathen neighbors. In the name of god, they killed the indians who helped them survive the first winter. The pilgrims brought the plague (small pox) and guns. The Puritan Elder praised god for the plague that killed the indians because it purified the land.
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed National Thanksgiving Day
It was to be the last Thursday in November. For hundreds of years prior, this holiday bounced all around the calendar.
As I sit around the table with my loved ones and enjoy the time we're together
I think of history, how our ancestors killed their true saviors, the American Indians, because they didn't believe in their perceived savior, Jesus Christ. I wonder how those people could get so messed up. In many ways, this is a Thankless holiday.
In spite of Thanksgiving's roots, this day has become a day of love.
I celebrate this day, in memory of all of the previous Thanksgiving holidays. I regret most of my loved ones have passed, and can not share today. Yet,
I'm thankful, for the love and new memories created and shared on this holiday
Thanksgiving Day, November 25th, 2004.