Tom Hoopes on the 400th Anniversary of Thanksgiving

"At Plymouth, Massachusetts, exactly 400 years ago, settlers in the New World sat down for dinner and games with 90 native Americans and gave thanks to God. . . .

"We hesitate to celebrate that day for a good reason: The Wampanoag Indians, who participated, were treated deplorably for centuries after that 1621 dinner. But there are also very good reasons to keep telling the story of the first Thanksgiving."

In a recent commentary, Tom Hoopes (writer in residence at Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas) reflected on how, although the story of this first Thanksgiving can cover over the worst of who we are, it is worth telling "because it also reminds us of the best that we can be."

To access his complete essay, please visit:

Aleteia: Tom Hoopes: A tale worth telling: The 400th anniversary of Thanksgiving (22 NOV 21)