----- Original Message ----- From: "Joan Williams" <stefan@foothills.net> To: <EASTERNKENTUCKY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2000 2:53 AM Subject: [EasternKentucky] History of Thanksgiving Day > Thanksgiving Day , a legal holiday in the U.S., first celebrated in early > colonial times in New England. The actual origin, however, is probably the > harvest festivals that are traditional in many parts of the world Festivals > and Feasts. After the first harvest was completed by the Plymouth colonists > in 1621, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and > prayer, shared by all the colonists and neighboring Native Americans. > In 1623 a day of fasting and prayer during a period of drought was changed > to one of thanksgiving because the rain came during the prayers. Gradually, > a custom prevailed in New England of annually celebrating thanksgiving after > the harvest. > > In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom. By the > middle of the 19th century many other states had done the same. In 1863 > President Abraham Lincoln appointed a day of thanksgiving, and since then > each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation, designating the > fourth Thursday of November as a holiday. > > > > > This year, Thanksgiving Day is > November 23, 2000 > > > What are YOU thankful for this year? Take time to count every blessing > and be thankful for all that you have! > > May each and everyone of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with > friends and loved ones, and please don't forget to tell them how thankful > you are for them. > > Sincerely, > > Diane Montgomery Parsons > > Joan Ball Williams > > List Owners > > Easternkentucky-L@rootsweb.com > > CC & ACC > > Kywolfe-L@rootsweb.com > > Kyleslie-L@rootsweb.com >