Legislative Column for Nov. 21, 2019
We’ve all heard the story: a group of America’s earliest settlers survive a brutal winter and are so appreciative of God’s blessing and the help they received from nearby Indians, they host a feast in celebration. The Pilgrims dress in their black hats and silver buckles. The Indians show up in full regalia. Everybody eats turkey, dressing and sweet potatoes.
Of course, that’s not right. Early settlers didn’t actually dress like English Puritans and sweet potatoes were not grown in 1621 America. Frankly, most of what we believe about the origins of Thanksgiving is more legend than fact. Still, there is more than enough truth in the “first Thanksgiving” story to inspire the holiday that we love so much today. In some ways, the facts are more inspiring than the legend.
In 1620, a group of religious separatists left England on a 90-foot sailing ship called The Mayflower. The journey across the Atlantic began with 102 passengers and a crew of about 30 men. The two-month voyage was rough, with heavy gales battering the ship. One passenger and a crew member died. One woman gave birth at sea. Many on board were ill when the journey ended in November, near a place now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Although they had intended to join other settlers in Virginia, the Pilgrims had veered off-course. They were now forced to forge their own settlement in the wilderness, with winter already begun. Within a year, half the group was dead, mostly lost to malnutrition and disease. Of the 51 survivors, most were children and teenagers. Fourteen of the original 18 wives had perished, and males outnumbered females five to one. There were only four married couples, including one who wed after their spouses died.
Despite hardship and loss, the settlers had reason to be thankful. Following the first terrible winter, they managed to build structures and grow crops. Keeping the tradition of harvest festivals in Europe, they set about to celebrate their survival.
What we know of that first Thanksgiving comes from a short letter first published in 1622 and all but forgotten for more than a century. Edward Winslow describes a three-day feast with some 90 Indians “coming amongst us.” Although much of the symbolism of Thanksgiving comes from the imagination, the tradition of a celebratory feast shared with guests is well-grounded in history. As Winslow wrote: “Although it be not always so plentiful . . . by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”
It might come as a surprise to learn that when President George Washington called for a day of public thanksgiving in 1789, few Americans were aware of the Pilgrims’ now-famous feast. It wasn’t until the publication of “The Chronicle of the Pilgrim Fathers” in 1841 that the story of the first Thanksgiving became part of American folklore. America’s fondness for the story grew slowly at first. Mid-19th century Americans were not disposed to break bread with their Native American neighbors, and President Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation calling for a national day of thanksgiving was issued against a backdrop of the Civil War.
Somehow, the nation healed the wounds of separation and division, and Thanksgiving has become one of America’s greatest and best-loved traditions. Regardless of whatever hardships and disappointments Americans endure, there always seems to be hope and joy at Thanksgiving. As we gather around our feast tables, we thank God for our blessings. And like those 51 bedraggled Pilgrims who welcomed their Indian neighbors to their celebration, we often make a place at our tables for strangers in need.
It’s my hope that all Missourians have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. What a marvelous time to put away our differences, embrace those we love and welcome new people into our circle of friends and family. Whatever traditions you keep on Thanksgiving, I wish you all a blessed and bountiful holiday.
Finally, at this special time of year, I’ll take a few moments to pause and give thanks. I am very blessed every day. I have a God that loves me. He has blessed me with a special wife and family, great friends and the privilege of representing you in the Missouri Senate. We live in the best part of Missouri and in the United States of America. Thank you, God!
It is my great honor to represent the citizens of the 33rd Senatorial District. Although the Legislature has adjourned for 2019, I remain your senator throughout the year. If there’s anything that I can do to assist you, please feel free to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.