The Heritage of Thanksgiving

Holidays are part of our American heritage. The 4th of July, Veterans Day, Memorial Day all remind us that we have been entrusted with the gift of freedom, preserved by men and women who have given their lives on battlefields for us.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday, celebrated with a feast shared with friends and family. But why does Thanksgiving even exist? In the crisis America is facing of socialism versus freedom, it is so important to tell your children and those you host tomorrow the history of this holiday.

In the 1600’s, a group of Protestants were facing restrictions on practicing their faith in England. They moved to Amsterdam, hoping to find religious freedom. However, in a few short years, it became evident that they were facing the same persecutions. Although it was a perilous journey, they boarded a ship bound for the New World. Over the first year, forty-five of the original one hundred and two Pilgrims died.

In God’s providence, the Indian Squanto helped the Pilgrims plant and harvest the next spring and summer. God’s provision was abundant, and William Bradford called for a three-day celebration of God’s protection and blessing after their first harvest.

It seems fitting to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, with so much uncertainty and many forces seeking to undermine the freedoms that the Pilgrims first came here to create and protect. God’s providence has placed us here, in this nation, at this time. If the Pilgrims were here today, they would encourage us to not squander what we’ve been given, but to know our heritage, and to have courage to fight for freedom, whatever the cost.