Consul General Speeches

Interfaith Ceremony Celebrating Thanksgiving, The English Reformed Church, Amsterdam, November 22, 2007

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and a special greeting to the young people who have joined us this evening.  To all, Happy Thanksgiving.

I have had the privilege over the last week or so to visit two landmarks in the Netherlands:  the Pieterskerk in Leiden, where the English Pilgrims resided for nearly 12 years in preparation for their emigration to the New World, and the Pelgrimvaderskerk in Delftshaven, from which the Pilgrims departed on July 22, 1620 on a ship named the Speedwell.  That ship carried them to England, which eventually led to their departure on the Mayflower for a hopeful but unknown future across the ocean.

Standing here beneath the stained glass window that commemorates the Pilgrims’ courageous journey seems a fitting tribute to these people of unwavering faith and great determination, almost 400 years later.  In fact, celebrating Thanksgiving in The Netherlands means bringing the historical underpinnings of our modern holiday to life.  You can hear the footsteps of the Pilgrims echoing in the cobbled streets of Leiden, and envision this strong, determined community gathering their belongings for departure on the quay in Delftshaven.

Yet Thanksgiving can be a bittersweet time for Americans living overseas.  It is such an iconic American holiday, and it plays such a central role in our personal and collective histories, that there is really no avoiding a strong association between the fourth Thursday in November and Thanksgiving Day, no matter where you live.  Thanksgiving is also a holiday intended to be celebrated with family and friends, so the separation from our loved ones is drawn into sharp relief at this time of year and can be difficult.

For these and so many other reasons, I am grateful this year for the continuing support of the English Reformed Church, its congregation, and the people who have volunteered to participate in today’s service.  We are honored to have the opportunity to mark Thanksgiving Day in this remarkable setting, surrounded by a generous and caring community, joined by new friends as well as old.

The fledgling settlement in Plymouth would not have survived without the determination of the Pilgrims and the assistance of their Native American neighbors.  I think it remarkable that the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe members joined together in 1621 to celebrate the settlement’s first successful harvest.  The gulf between them, at first glance, must have seemed insurmountable.  Yet they found the commonalities between them, and a way to celebrate them together.

So much has changed since the 1620s.  But it is in that same spirit of fellowship that we gather here this evening.  For those of us who have traveled far to establish a new home here in the Netherlands, we can recognize with gratitude the offer of a helping hand, or some friendly advice in our new and unfamiliar surroundings.

Ralph Waldo Emerson “The only gift is a portion of thyself.”  And I think this speaks to the true spirit of Thanksgiving:

Some of you may have taken the time to try to find pumpkin pie filling, or cranberries, or some other unusual food item that is considered a “must have” by your family for Thanksgiving dinner.  Some of you may have volunteered your time and energy to teach school children about the origins of Thanksgiving.  The representatives of diverse faiths here this evening have volunteered their time to help Americans and their extended families in The Netherlands come together in fellowship.  Each, in his or her way, is taking time to give a portion of themselves.  And these acts of generosity help reinforce the essential message of Thanksgiving:   that it is important to take time to reflect on our lives, be thankful for what we have, and express gratitude to others.  And to strengthen to bonds between us by sharing our traditions and customs.

As we take time this year to give thanks for the blessings in our lives, we must also look to those who may be struggling to find the light and meaning in this special day.  Today, our thoughts go out to those who suffer from illness, or want, or loneliness.  In the United States and elsewhere, it is common for school children to make Thanksgiving decorations for a nursing home, or to visit a veteran’s hospital to bring to its residents the cheer and energy of youth.  Families often invite a neighbor who would otherwise be alone on this day to join them for a hearty meal and some good cheer.  As we return home this evening, I would ask that you take a moment to reflect on what you can give, as well as giving thanks for what you have received.  And please take a moment to honor those who have dedicated themselves to serving others, especially those who may be in harm’s way to protect the freedoms we enjoy.

From my family to yours, may you have a very Happy Thanksgiving.