This gathering will create an inspirational atmosphere to stimulate gratitude and giving in our families and community while honoring the significance of Plymouth’s founding in 1620.
The program will include spoken thoughts on the differences and similarities between Pilgrims and Puritans; Native American culture at our founding; and our part in the expansion of our founding and colonizing.
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration and Plymouth 400 Present: Illuminate Thanksgiving
This series of events leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday promotes gratitude and giving. These youth-oriented events are designed to create an inspirational atmosphere anywhere that people gather, to stimulate gratitude and giving in communities, groups, and families. Based upon Governor William Bradford’s quote:
“…as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many…”
the One Small Candle Award is given to an individual who has made a difference in many lives at a young age.
2020 Schedule:
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration and Plymouth 400 Present: Illuminate Thanksgiving
This important annual event focuses on young people and their ability to be that “one small candle” making a difference in the lives of many. Taking place on the same day as the annual America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Parade, the program will kick off inside the National Pilgrim Memorial Meetinghouse at Town Square with a presentation by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Then we’ll move outside for a Procession of Lights down Leyden Street. The event will culminate on the Plymouth waterfront for main stage events, including performances by Northern Lights A Capella Chorus and Plymouth International Chorus.
There will be a reading of Governor William Bradford’s “One Small Candle” quote by one of his descendants, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony. The winners of both the Plymouth 400 “Who Illuminates Your Life?” Essay Contest and the One Small Candle Award will be announced. The award honors an individual or organization that, through their actions, has touched the lives of many. This year scholarships will be awarded through the Green Cup Golf Tournament at the Pinehills.
Please join us for this free event which honors the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Illuminate Thanksgiving is presented by: Goldman Sachs Gives, NBC-10 Boston|Telemundo Boston |NECN, The Newfield House, Best Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Plymouth Industrial Development Corporation, Shields Design Studio, and Gatehouse Media.
Watch this video from Illuminate Thanksgiving 2018!