Thanksgiving Holidays

[Johney Wang]

The first Thanksgiving gathering was held in 1621 in Plymouth Mass., a three day affair celebrating the Pilgrims' harvest and giving thanks to God. Native Americans were invited to participate in the festivities because of their help and assistance in aiding the Pilgrim's through their first year in the new land. The three day feast consisted of all types of food including fish, clams, lobster, meats such as venison, beef, and turkey. They also served a variety of fruit, squash, pumpkin, and other dishes over the three days. This day was considered to be a gathering and not actually a holiday.

In October 1789, George Washington, the first President of the United States proclaimed and created the first Thanksgiving Day that was recognized on a national basis. The proclamation was a recognition of an Almighty God, celebrating and giving thanks for all the blessings God bestowed on the people in this newly formed country. The national government celebrated God's gift of freedom, liberty, and religious tolerance. The president declared November 26th, 1789 as a day of observance for our gratefulness to God and country.

Other presidents proclaimed a Thanksgiving celebration from time to time but the there were also individual states that proclaimed statewide celebrations of their own. It was during the Civil War in 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared a national holiday of Thanksgiving be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Since that time the United States has set aside that particular Thursday in November to observe a day of thanks.

This year we should all give thanks to God, for His blessings for our country and for our freedoms we share as Americans. Whether your ancestors came here on the Mayflower or you've just recently became a citizen of this country, we as Americans share this heritage.

Celebrate the United States of America, its birth and its continued defense of liberty, justice and pursuit of happiness.