THANKSGIVING DAY 2017
The WAPI Chairman and Governing Council Members extend our wishes to our Canadian, US and Caribbean Members for this year’s Thanksgiving Celebrations
For those left wondering exactly what is Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving Day
A national holiday celebrated in Canada, the United States, some of the Caribbean islands, and Liberia
Without exception, Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November. This year that’s Thursday, November 23.
History: George Washington declared the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1789
The celebration of Thanksgiving is, in general, a feast to give thanks for the fruits of the previous harvest. In America specifically, it dates back to the 1600s.
There’s some discussion over when the first Thanksgiving was, but many think it dates back to 1621, when the harvest was celebrated by the Pilgrims – Dutch settlers of the Plymouth Colony in what’s now called Massachusetts. This feast lasted three days, and was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims.
United States
In the US, government offices, businesses and schools close on Thanksgiving Day – with many closing on the Friday after, too, giving employees a four-day weekend.
Many big cities hold a Thanksgiving Day parade, the most famous of which is the Macy’s parade in New York.
The three-hour event features floats, costumes and huge helium balloons in the shape of cartoon characters including Mickey Mouse and Felix the Cat.
Playing and watching American football is a long-held Thanksgiving tradition.
NFL and college have played over the Thanksgiving weekend practically since the game’s invention, and it’s one of the biggest days in the football calendar.
Celebrate or not, Have a Great Thanksgiving 2017-11-20
WAPI Chairman & Governing Council