As Thanksgiving marks a season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to reflect on all the blessings we have in this country, particularly the freedoms that make our way of life so special. At the heart of these freedoms is our right to bear arms, a fundamental part of our history and identity. This Thanksgiving let’s remember how firearms played a vital role not only in ensuring our survival but also in bringing people together during the very first Thanksgiving.

As recounted in Encyclopedia Britannica, the 1621 harvest feast shared by the English Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people is often considered the origin of the American Thanksgiving holiday. In fact, firearms played a key role in providing both the meal and the entertainment at this historic gathering. The Pilgrims, who were struggling to survive in their new environment, set out “fowling” to procure food, which likely included hunting turkeys but more probably geese and ducks as they were more plentiful and easier to kill. In one day, they managed to kill enough game to feed the entire group for almost a week. That’s quite the hunt in the days before bag limits!

As the Pilgrims prepared their feast, 90 Wampanoag people made a surprise visit to the settlement, contributing venison, that had been hunted as well, to the table and joining the celebrations. The feast included not only fowl but also fish, shellfish, vegetables and stews—a diverse spread that likely relied on both hunting and the resources of the land. 

During the celebration, the men fired guns, ran races and enjoyed some liquor, marking the occasion with camaraderie and perhaps a little disorderly fun. This shared meal, along with the bonds formed between the two groups, ultimately led to a peace treaty that lasted for over 50 years. While the event may not have been as formal as the Thanksgiving celebrations we know today, it was a pivotal moment in our history—a reminder of the importance of community, collaboration, and, of course, the role that firearms have always played in the American story…and in shaping that story both good and bad.

For today, let’s focus on the good, as we try to maybe be a little better ourselves, and as we gather with family and friends, let’s give thanks for the freedoms that allow us to enjoy this holiday, for the rich history that has shaped our nation and for the important role we all play in preserving those freedoms. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet day in the field or a festive meal with loved ones or maybe, like me and my family and friends at Howwin Farm in Virginia, a little of both, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the rights we hold dear.