For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: Should we actually celebrate Thanksgiving in June?
Long before the Pilgrims sailed in 1620, another group of dissident Christians sought a haven in which to worship freely. These French Calvinists, or Huguenots, hoped to escape the sectarian fighting between Catholics and Protestants that had bloodied France since 1560.
Landing in balmy Florida in June of 1564, at what a French explorer had earlier named the River of May (now the St. Johns River near Jacksonville), the French émigrés promptly held a service of “thanksgiving.” Carrying the seeds of a new colony, they also brought cannons to fortify the small, wooden enclosure they named Fort Caroline, in honor of their king, Charles IX.
Fascinating. Any thoughts?
As a personal postscript on this day, one thing I am truly thankful for is reconnecting with, after more than 30 years, friends that I grew up with including one that I have known since Kindergarten...and sent me this Times piece. Happy Thanksgiving, Craig!
