In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.
Today when you are all sitting down with family and friends enjoying your dinner, remember all of the military men and women that won’t be home with theirs. Say an extra prayer that they will stay safe and return home alive and well.
Thanksgiving Links:
First Thanksgiving – National Geographic Kids
The First Thanksgiving: Voyage on the Mayflower
Plimoth Plantation: Wampanoag Homesite
