Milford chronicle., 1925-11-27

On December 21, l62O there ldhu-
ed on the shores of Plymouth, Mass;
- little vessel, the "Mayhower
CARRYING a group of one hundred
men and women; known later as
the pilgrims. Many hardships con-
fronted these Pilgrims that winter
but they endured them; that they
,oiobt build in this new land a ma
tinn. in which they could worship
and believe as they thought right;
MANY of them died that winter ana
at times life for the small colony
seemed impossible, bus the spring
of 1921 brought forth some better
things. The colonies OeSan u
thrive: crops were raised food oD-
tanned and the land seemed more
like home.
In the fall of 1921 after food had
been prepared for winter, and pet
Ter houses built to keep out the
wiu.er chills, Bradford, the Cover
nor of the Plymouth Colony sum
moned all his cOlonists to sather
to give thanks to God for the bless
ings He had bestowed upon them. A
snecial service was prepared IOr
Ahis dav, which was later called
Thanksgiving Day. This service
was attended by all the colOnists.
This custom of rendering thanks
IN God was then conveyed to pther
of the colonies and finally all were
observing one day each year in CIV
ing thanks to God for His blessings
TO them. Feasting and merry-mak- h
inc became customary with TINS
o1 families
and children gathered at homes on
this day for formal religious ser
vices and later, to enjoy the least
ing and family reunions.
When these colonies became unit
ed under the name and government
of The United States of America
with n congress-. Thanksgiving was
observed annually during the Reyo-
lutionary Period and in 1884 a big
celebration was held and thanks
given to God for the return OF peace.
In 1889 George Washington made
Thanksgiving a National Holiday
at which time the nation was to Of
fer thanks for its blessings during
the previous year. Since 1863 our
Presidents have issued prOclama-
tions fixing the last Thursday IN
November of each year for this ma
tional thanksgiving.
Our nation has been annually Of
fering thanks for its many bless
ings since 1889. Through all Of its
wars and critical periods 1t has
been receiving Gods help ana
through all these it has offered
thanks to Him. Our national OIL
GERS in Washington annually rem
der thanks for their blessings and
ask for guidance in their future
work.
The question might be asked, why
is it a natiOnal observance? Why
can't we personally consider Thanks
giving as a day pertaining to the
Individual? 1t may be so consider
ed and I am sure many of us give
personal thanks; but, has not our
nation many things for which to be
thankful, too? That is question
on which capable persons could
write volumes.
Citizens of the United States of
America should be thankful for the
great deeds done by their forefath-
ers in those early years. If the
Hll2IlIlS WIN llfGu III IAAttb ~ wv
and undeveloped age, had many
things for which to be thankful, we
of the present century have infinite
ly more in this splendid country in
which they gave work and efforts
to settle and create form of gov
er lment perpetuating freedom, lib
erty and happiness for a great ma
tion.
The modern conveniences which
we have now, add many more things
to that Pilgrim list. We live in the
time of so many conveniences and
comforts, that 1 think many of us
fail to realize the blessings we re-
ceive.
Thanksgiving Day of 1918 was
probably one of the greatest in our
History. Our nation had been in
great and cruel war. 1t had lost
much wealth and many lives, which
caused grief; but, it had more to be
thankful for than ever before. War
had ceased and the sorrow of the
bereaved brought humility, while In
all homes there was rejoicing at
the ending of war, many hearts and
homes realized more at Thanks
giving in the year of 1918, the great
Importance of the work in building
a form of government that that
band of Pilgrims of 1921 had ac-
complished for civil liberty, and
then established a custom to offer
sincere thanks to God for His
blessing of their efforts.
The reason for National Thanks
giving Day is not merely a custom,
but the fact, that we, personally and
as a Nation, always have something
for which to thank God We are |
more enthusiastic with a day fixed |
for National Thanksgiving.
General observance Of a National
Day will beget a deep
rooted spirit of patriotism in all
citizens of The
United States of America, which Our
Country must foster and encourage
for Our National Safety.
AS a daughter of Virginia, l feel
deeply the patriotic ferVor of her
men in history, and voice with all
my soul their patriotic acts and
deeds.
Our Country. May she be always
right; but, right or wrong-OUR
COUNTRY.