THANKSGIVING IN AMERICA The Legends & The Proclamations11/11/1620When the Mayflower Compact was signed, it was more than a document. They no longer were passengers. The Saints and Strangers became a group unto themselves. They became a People, as in the men, women, and children of a particular nation, community, or ethnic group. They had an intense, life-threatening, unifying experience. They were a team bonded, living and working together. and forging into the unknown. Together. This was the first step into American values. They could be properly called "The People of the Mayflower."Saints and Strangers - together or not? Stephen Hopkins, mastermind of the compact, was a stranger, highly educated, yet with a thirst for adventure. He had had more than adventure when he was shipwrecked in Bermuda on his trip to Jamestowne in 1609, It was his tale that Shakespeare brought into literature for the ages. He was Stephano in The Tempest. In that adventure, he was the instigator just because of the destination being different. He was nearly hanged. However, he did spend four years dealing with the Natives and seeking his fortune in Virginia.His second attempt was The Mayflower. He came with his family to pursue life as a trader in Virginia. He had been recruited by the very pious Separatists to help them deal with the Natives when they relocated to Virginia. Along came another tempest! While there was a change in destination, the threat was more serious. These leaders could make their own rules, religious ones at that! They called themselves "Saints" and he was one of the "Strangers." He and his family could be subjugated to their religious rules! He kept his ego and his passions in check. He kept his own counsel. In the Compact, the goal he envisioned was achieved absolutely. It was a document for people living together in a unified community. It is a model for relationships with no religious dictates. There freedom of choice and of religion implied. It was written by the leaders as a group. Eighty-six words, which they called "THE FRAME"(We) Do covenant and combine ourselves together into a civill body politick, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enacte, constitute, and frame such just and equall laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meete and convenient for the generall good of the Colonie unto which we promise all due submission and obedience After a year in America, the four women and two teen-aged girls, who survived the first winter, became the unsung heroes of the First Thanksgiving. They served venison and Succotash to 60 Chiefs and Braves, as well as the 30 Colonial Men for three days, Pilgrims and Puritans - similar or not? The Pilgrims were passionate against King James I, who came to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. He was focused on the Articles of Perth and rituals. They were simple, devout people. They were against pomp and ceremony. In 1625 his son, Charles I, came into power. He had no concern for the religious passions of his father. He was focused on taxation. Consequently, the lesser royals came to America in droves starting with the Winthrop Fleet in 1630.There are stories and legends of Washington and the First Thanksgiving as a nation in the fall of 1789, This day in itself is cause in themselves for yearly celebrations and remembrance. In the 19th century, Sarah Hale imploring President Lincoln to initiate a yearly National Day of Thanksgiving. He wholeheartedly went forth. Thanksgiving is, rightfully, a National Holiday, a time for remembrance as well as observances that will become part of our great national story. The Postscript Proposal is a National Memorial for Black Soldiers who died in our Revolution. It was put is place by General George Washington.