Who Were the Pilgrims ?

WHO WERE THE PILGRIMS ? JAMESTOWN 1607 Four hundred years ago high-born Brits sailed to America Seeking fast fortunes, adventure and fame. Many would never endure their first year here Cultivating, foraging, and hunting game. Arriving in Virginia they came ill-prepared In search of gold and a route to the South Seas What they found were hostile Indians, Insects, starvation, and disease. “Virginia is Earth’s only Paradise!” The laureate of England would proclaim!” However by August of 1607, Every day there was anguish, and pain. They ate their horses, dogs, cats and rats One man ate his wife and hid her bones in the ground. Despite their hardships, half managed to survive Becoming America’s first permanent, English town . THE FIRST THANKSGIVING The Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving At Plymouth in October 1621. The bitter winter of 1620, was over With a loss of many father, mother, daughter or son. Life for survivors was much better now As a good harvest improved what was rationed Settlers enjoyed good health and prosperity As homes were raised from the logs they fashioned. They walked unafraid and safely in the woods For they had made peace with the Indians. After the signing a long-lasting treaty Natives and Pilgrims shared the land as friends. Sending four men to shoot waterfowl and wild turkeys The Pilgrims decreed a holiday of good fortune A chief was invited who brought 90 braves And five deer to increase the portion. It was an open-air roast and festival Held along the north bank of Town Brook. Where there were games of skill, chance and dance While everyone gorged on the feast they cooked. From then on Thanksgiving spread through the colonies Though each region chose its own date. Till in 1789 President Washington proclaimed November 26 a day to give thanks and celebrate. The theme of Thanksgiving has always been the same. Though its date has changed many times. A day for giving and remembering the less fortunate Expressing thankfulness with our prayers, hearts and minds. It is our duty as a nation to acknowledge providence Of Almighty God, and to obey his will. To be grateful for his blessings, and protection As we humbly partake in the tables we fill.