Remembering the Mayflower Compact

Thanksgiving Day is not a religious holiday, it is a quintessential American institution. It’s a fine mix of revisionist history, outright myths, civic ideals, and religious trappings. But Thanksgiving Day is a good day.

Its foundational principle regarding the importance of gratitude has profound meaning. And within the annual national observance reside principles that point the way for us to achieve the potential of our nation’s founding vision and a roadmap for interpersonal cooperation despite radical individual differences.

Unfortunately, it has become a day when pompous politicians admonish their constituents to pray, and quiet reflections take place against a nationally televised backdrop of bitter sports rivalries. There is an inevitable nod to humility and, for those who have the necessary affluence, a feast that pushes many toward gluttony. What a portrait of the America we love!

But Thanksgiving’s foundational principle regarding the importance of gratitude has profound meaning. And within the national observance resides a roadmap for interpersonal cooperation despite radical individual differences.

Alone, the image of Indians and Pilgrims sitting down together for an important meal is sufficient to instruct a divided nation. Both the Indians and the Pilgrims were nervous and neither particularly wanted to be together, but they knew they needed each other. Blessed are those who understand the necessity of cooperation as a prerequisite to living together fruitfully as well as peacefully!

Often, I incorporate into my speeches a paraphrase of the historic Mayflower Compact. This document sets before us a vision steeped in religious tradition and evocative of democratic action. I share it with you now not only as a part of our celebration of this season but as a commendation worthy of our embrace as we seek to live together in this nation.

We pledge to walk together
In the ways of truth and affection,
As best we know them now
Or may learn them in days to come,
That we and our children may be fulfilled
And that we may speak to the world
In words and actions
Of peace and goodwill.

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