In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims — early settlers of Plymouth Colony — held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Many regard this event as the nation’s first Thanksgiving.

The legacy of thanks and the feast have survived generations since the event became a national holiday on Oct. 3, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving.

Several of our younger readers weighed in on what they’re thankful for and family ranks high on the list.

What are you thankful for this year? Email us at news@dailyleader.com and let us know.

 

I am thankful for my mom, dad and seven brothers and sisters. I am thankful for my friends and teachers. I am thankful for my grandparents. I am thankful for my church family. I am thankful because we are moving into a new house soon. I am thankful for Jesus.

Eden Scopel, 9, third grader at Wesson Attendance Center, daughter of Matt and Amy Scopel

 

I’m thankful for my school and community. It has allowed me to play the sports I love, and be around the people that mean the most to me. I am super blessed to be from West Lincoln.

Bailey Elizabeth Wilson, 18, senior at West Lincoln Attendance Center, daughter of Jane Wilson and Jason Wilson

 

I am thankful for many things this year. Some of them include food and water, shelter, family and the ability to do sports. Some other things are the ability to worship the Lord and I’m thankful for my church, friends and my school. Those are things I am thankful for.

Camille Creel, 9, fourth grader at Loyd Star Attendance Center, daughter of EJ and Jamie Creel

 

This is what I am thankful for this year. I am thankful for the freedom in America. This freedom lets me be able to go to school and learn. Freedom also lets me go to church and worship God. Thanks to all veterans, we have freedom. Freedom is one of the many things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Caleb Hux, 9, third grader at Enterprise, son of Dana Stone

 

I am thankful for many things because God has blessed me with so much. However, this Thanksgiving I’m especially thankful for my family. Our togetherness and special relationship are very important to me. I wouldn’t want to imagine my life any other way.

Alex Merrell, 17, senior at Bogue Chitto Attendance Center, son of Scott and Tanya Merrell

 

I’m thankful for my mom and dad. I love my sisters Zoe and Cameron and my dog, Duke. He’s a dachshund. My grandparents visit me all the time because they live close by. I can’t wait to be in Frozen Jr. at the Brookhaven Little Theatre in December. 

Chloe Emory, 9, fourth grader at Brookhaven Academy, daughter of Brian and Heather Emory

 

I am thankful for God and my freedom. I am also thankful for two great parents that have stayed together and supported me through everything.

Hagen Conn, 17, senior at Lawrence County High School, son of Joe and Sherry Conn