What Thanksgiving is All About

Thanksgiving is an American holiday, with roots that stretch back further than the founding of our nation.

In September of 1620, a group of English puritans, persecuted for their religious beliefs, set sail for the new world in search of a brighter future and the freedom to practice their religion as they saw fit. The group, which later became known as the Pilgrims, had been living in exile in Holland for several years prior to their voyage, but knew they needed a new home.

By November, they spotted land after 65 grueling days at sea, but the worst still lay ahead of them. Half would perish in the first winter. The next year, however, was a turning point for the colony. With the help of local Native Americans, the Pilgrims were able to grow and harvest a productive crop and in celebration held a feast that we’ve come to know today as the first Thanksgiving.

A lot has changed in the 401 years since the Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated the first Thanksgiving, but the real spirit and intent of the holiday remains the same. It’s an opportunity for all of us to stop and reflect on the things we’re thankful for in our own lives, our families, loved ones, friends, blessings, and for those that put food on the table.

Today, we’re much more removed from agriculture than the Pilgrims were. Very few folks grow their own food. Even most farmers, like myself, don’t eat most of what we grow. A good harvest of corn and squash doesn’t mean the difference between life and death for most of us in the same way it did for our forefathers.

However, we all definitely eat what somebody grew and Thanksgiving is a great reminder of that. The turkey you’re about to eat was raised by a farmer. The dinner rolls and stuffing were made with wheat grown by a farmer. The cranberries, green beans, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables—all grown by a farmer. And let’s not forget all the butter, milk, and dairy products that make so many of the dishes we love the most so delicious, all come from dairy cattle, raised and cared for by a farmer.

None of us would be able to survive without the miracle of modern agriculture and the thousands of American farm families that work 365 days a year (yes, some of them even on Thanksgiving and Christmas) to put food on the table. Thanksgiving is a time to remember all that we’re thankful for, but we shouldn’t forget that it started as a celebration of a productive harvest. We should all remember and be thankful for the farmers that made our meal possible.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves