The infamous Plymouth Rock. Legend has it that the Pilgrims first stepped onto this rock as they set foot into their new land.
Saturday, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was the annual Thanksgiving Parade. We were fortunate enough to be able to attend and it was very touching to be in the very place where it all began so many years ago. The parade was emceed, and the announcer started out with a brief synopsis of the Pilgrim's arrival on the Mayflower. I was so happy to hear them tell the story and include a quote by William Bradford, who said that the colonists were hoping to advance the gospel of Christ. Full quote is below.
In 1620, the Pilgrims left England to escape spiritual persecution. After a difficult journey on the Mayflower, they arrived in Plymouth. They spent the harsh winter on board the ship, as it was anchored in the harbor. During the following spring and summer, Squanto, and other native Americans, taught the new settlers how to grow crops and hunt for fish and game. Their first Thanksgiving was a feast of thanks to God, who had enabled them to survive.
As quoted in The American Patriot's Bible, "The purpose of the Pilgrims was to establish a political commonwealth governed by biblical standards. The Mayflower Compact, their initial governing document, clearly stated that what they had undertaken was 'for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.'
...When these colonial settlers arrived in America, the influence of the Bible on their lives came with them. For many, their Christian faith was as much a part of who they were as their brave spirit, and it touched all they touched. "
"[The colonists] cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations...for the propogations and advance of the Gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world." --William Bradford, second governor of Plymouth
Come on...you know you all want one of these hats...
Every branch of the military was represented in the parade and all veterans in the crowd were recognized.
An exact, to-scale replica of the Mayflower
Replica of one of the first homes built in the colony at Plymouth (or Plimoth, as they spelled it back then).
Yes, they allowed the British Redcoats to be represented as well
Followed by a raggedy band of swashbucklers
The farmer-soldier float
Civil War soldiers
No parade is complete without the balloon head of Indians and Pilgrims
No idea what this has to do with Thanksgiving...but those horses are so pretty
Before the parade started, we were able to see this, up close and personal....
