On the fourth Thursday of November, we recognize Reconciliation Day as a way to acknowledge, remember, and heal the past so we may move forward in a kind, gentle, and peaceful way. For many, Thanksgiving is a Day of Mourning. We are now able to clearly acknowledge the genocide of thousands of indigenous people, historically celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day, and the annual violent ritual of killing millions of sentient turkeys. It is now time for Reconciliation Day.
And let it also be a day of remembrance and healing for the Hawaiians, Africans, and all other sentient beings treated violently. May the fourth Thursday of November be a day of re-connection, understanding, resolve, reconciliation, remembrance, and healing.
Huffington Post on National Day of Mourning
National Day of Mourning Reflects on Thanksgiving’s Horrific, Bloody History
The First Thanksgiving: Separating Myth from Fact (in TeenVogue)
Please watch this video on The True Meaning of Thanksgiving and share with others.
POINT OF VIEW:
By Shel Silverstein
Thanksgiving dinner’s sad and thankless
Christmas dinner’s sad and blue
When you stop and try to see it
From the turkey’s point of view
Sunday dinner isn’t sunny
Easter feasts are just bad luck
When you see it from the viewpoint
Of a chicken or a duck
Oh how I once loved tuna salad
Pork and lobsters, lamb chops too
Till I stopped and looked at dinner
From the dinner’s point of view.
Note: This blog was originally posted on November 20, 2013. Since then we have added some links to new resources.