National Day of Mourning and Thanksgiving in Plymouth

Plymouth is the place to be on Thanksgiving – as Native Americans and European-Americans hold events presenting contrasting histories and todays via rival monuments and pageantry.

At noon Thursday, United American Indians of New England gather by the statue of Massasoit and the Mourning Plaque (pictured above) on Cole’s Hill for their 39th annual National Day of Mourning. Native people will speak about “our history and what is going on with us now and the struggles that are taking place throughout the Americas.” Then they will lead a march through Plymouth’s historic district, followed by a potluck social at First Parish Church. Organizers say, “Help shatter the untrue glass image of the Pilgrims and the unjust system based on racism, sexism, homophobia and war.”

Plymouth events earlier Thursday are scheduled to include “Pilgrim Progress,” a costumed reenactment of a Pilgrim march, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Mayflower Society House on North Street, heading to Burial Hill, and then coming back again.

On Nov. 22, the town already held “America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade” (pictured below). Organizers say, “This is one of America’s only historically accurate chronological parades, visually bringing to life America’s rich heritage representing each century from the 17th through the 21st. In showing the preservation of America’s history through the years, beginning with the Pilgrim era, we promote an appreciation among our citizens for our rich heritage.”