 | In September 1620, the Mayflower and the Speedwell, set sail from England bearing 102 passengers - 50 men, 19 women, 33 children and young people. 41 were "Puritan Separatists, who were fleeing |
England for more religious freedom; and 61 "Strangers", those who were not going for any religious reason. They were aiming for Northern Virginia, but being blown off course, they landed, in mid-November, near Cape Cod, outside the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company and the charter. Being in a situation where they could descend into chaos, the men on the ship signed the Mayflower Compact, establishing a "civil body politic" to keep them together as they embarked into a brave new world.
The Pilgrims lived on the Mayflower through much of the winter, ferrying back and forth to build their settlement and storage. The conditions were cold and deplorable, a bitter winter. Over half of the original settlers died that first winter. In the spring and summer of 1621, a Native American, Squanto - who had been captured by John Smith in 1614-15, taken to England bound for slavery, but escaped and returned to North America - encountered and proceeded to help the settlers learn to plant, hunt, harvest and live in this "New World". He acted as liaison and translator between the local tribes and the Pilgrims.
In the fall of 1621, in the midst of abundance, the Pilgrims and the Natives shared a feast in celebration of the magnificent harvest, and peace. This is now known as the First Thanksgiving.
The Pilgrims lived on the Mayflower through much of the winter, ferrying back and forth to build their settlement and storage. The conditions were cold and deplorable, a bitter winter. Over half of the original settlers died that first winter. In the spring and summer of 1621, a Native American, Squanto - who had been captured by John Smith in 1614-15, taken to England bound for slavery, but escaped and returned to North America - encountered and proceeded to help the settlers learn to plant, hunt, harvest and live in this "New World". He acted as liaison and translator between the local tribes and the Pilgrims.
In the fall of 1621, in the midst of abundance, the Pilgrims and the Natives shared a feast in celebration of the magnificent harvest, and peace. This is now known as the First Thanksgiving.
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Today is Thanksgiving. While we watch the Macy's Day Parade, football, spend time with friends and family, and eat until we are fit to bust, remember what the first members of Thanksgiving endured. That first Thanksgiving demonstrates to us a unity of peace and abundance. Think about sharing with those less fortunate and how we can pave a smoother road for generations to come. From our family to yours:
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