His name was Samoset and he was an Abnaki Indian. He had
learned English from the captains of fishing boats that had sailed
off the coast. After staying the night Samoset left the next day. He
soon returned with another Indian named Squanto who spoke
better English than Samoset. Squanto told the Pilgrims of his
voyages across the ocean and his visits to England and Spain. It
was in England where he had learned English.
Squanto's importance to the Pilgrims was enormous and it can
be said that they would not have survived without his help. It was
Squanto who taught the Pilgrims how to tap the maple trees for
sap. He taught them which plants were poisonous and which had
medicinal powers. He taught them how to plant the Indian corn by
heaping the earth into low mounds with several seeds and fish in
each mound. The decaying fish fertilized the corn. He also taught
them to plant other crops with the corn.
The harvest in October was very successful and the Pilgrims
found themselves with enough food to put away for the winter.
There was corn, fruits and vegetables, fish to be packed in salt,
and meat to be cured over smoky fires.
The Pilgrims had much to celebrate, they had built homes in
the wilderness, they had raised enough crops to keep them alive
during the long coming winter, they were at peace with their Indian
neighbors. They had beaten the odds and it was time to celebrate.
The Pilgrim Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of
thanksgiving to be shared by all the colonists and the neighboring
Native Americans. They invited Squanto and the other Indians to
join them in their celebration. Their chief, Massasoit, and 90
braves came to the celebration which lasted for 3 days. They
played games, ran races, marched and played drums. The Indians
demonstrated their skills with the bow and arrow and the Pilgrims
demonstrated their musket skills. Exactly when the festival took
place is uncertain, but it is believed the celebration took place in
mid-October.
The America we witness today has seen much sacrifice
Should it not be the duty of each American to know this
We ve survived because of faith, determination, and great sacrifice
And don t just look at our military as a magnificent force
Whenever an American military presence moves into action
We are and always will be one nation under God
Finally, I wish each fine American a thankful Thanksgiving Day
Images from Autumn and The Harvest...
Never take life's goodness for granted, always give thanks for your blessings.
Even in troubled times, we can find things for which to be thankful.
Really celebrate Thanksgiving, list your blessings - your woes will find balanced perspective when you do.
Let your loved ones know you love them, and what they mean in your life!
Thanksgiving Links & Historical Info
Enjoy your Thanksgiving & don't eat too much!
On March 16, 1621 , what was to become an important event
took place, an Indian brave walked into the Plymouth settlement.
The Pilgrims were frightened until the Indian called out
"Welcome" (in English!).
A Thankful Thanksgiving
This sacrifice for many, meant a total giving of life for liberty
Do all truly realize what the human cost of freedom is
All citizens should understand what has kept us whole
To become familiar with the reasons of why we exist today
The notion that "that s the way things are" is ludicrous
When a firm explanation is so easily understood
The backbone of this country is the strength of its good citizens
Each true American is worth more than all the gold found in history
Selfishness does not rule their home, nor does it drive their thought
Rather look at each member of our soldiered family with pride
"Ready, willing, and able" have been the finest of each generation
Whether in Vietnam, Afghanistan, or any other place of danger
Behold the continuation of an outstanding tradition
Formed through freedom, it bravely faces all adversaries
And the flag under which it stands will always fly in freedom
He is the strength we have turned to time and time again
If we did not have Him, we would have perished long ago
God Bless America is more than a song, it is our national prayer
May you truly realize what we are, and pray to Almighty God for continuation
Be ever thankful for our soldiers, and give them the total support they need
And please pray for all American families who have paid the price for freedom
From Historic Deerfield
from Winterthur
Or, perhaps, rooms with a Pilgrim feel
from the American Museum, Bath, England
And America’s Joseph Webb House
Plus, Vermont’s remarkable Shelburne Museum
Hand checked Thanksgiving website directory
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