The Thanksgiving holiday celebrated each November in the United States is known worldwide as an American custom, but its roots extend far back into human history.

According to historical sources, the Pilgrims never held an autumn Thanksgiving feast. The Pilgrims did have a feast in 1621 near Plymouth, Mass., after their first harvest. This is the feast people often refer to as “The First Thanksgiving,” and was a day of prayer and fasting. Nevertheless, the 1621 feast has become a model for the Thanksgiving celebration in the United States. Native Americans definitely were among the invited guests; and it’s possible, even probable, that turkey (roasted but not stuffed) and pumpkin in some form found their way to the table.

In addition to thanksgiving traditions brought to North America by settlers from many parts of the world, the American thanksgiving has been linked with many religious observances and rituals that express thanks and gratitude to a higher power for the gift of life and its wonders.

Thanksgiving was always the last Thursday in November because that was the day President Abraham Lincoln observed the holiday when he declared it national holiday in 1863. Later public response prompted Congress to pass a law in 1941 ensuring that all Americans would celebrate a unified Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

Regardless of the origin of the Thanksgiving holiday, one thing remains the same today - we are a blessed nation and people. We should take pause ... remember ... and count our blessings ... today and always.