Give thanks.

Give thanks:

September 6, 1620, the Mayflower with her crew and passengers bound for the new world.
A new life, new challenges and a perilous long journey lay ahead!
Such a long 66 day lethal voyage for a new life.
No one knew what was in store for them at the end of the journey.

Two groups of people, "Saints" and "Strangers" at odds with each other.
Upon their arrival at Plymouth, Massachusetts, they all found common ground.
The Mayflower Compact, an agreement between the two parties was made.
Merging of the two to become one as Pilgrims.

Yet they faced harsh times ahead.
Befriended by the local natives, they were taught to grow corn and crops.
In Autumn 1621, one year hence, they celebrated their first harvest in a feast.
Thanksgiving as it was called with splendid wild turkey to eat.

The tradition now lives on, celebrated by all in America each year.
Give thanks you must, but remember to thank those natives!
For without their help, your pilgrim fore-fathers may have never survived, that first harsh winter so that you may give thanks today.

Steven Beesley (c)