National Day of Mourning

National Day of Mourning | November 24, 2022

A National Day of Mourning is observed in many countries and set by the national government. 

It is a day when people from around the country come together in solidarity for the ones they have lost. 

Lives lost in war crimes, terrorist attacks, or the passing away of key figures of the country are usually marked as a mourning day by the country. 

The day sees millions of people holding memorial activities and following a few minutes of silence for the lost ones. 

Keep reading to learn more about this sad day.

When is the National Day Of Mourning?

The National Day of Mourning coincides with the Thanksgiving holiday. This is the 4th Thursday of November yearly, & it will be observed on November 24, 2022.

Wamsutta’s protest on Thanksgiving day inspired the mourning day. For this reason, it is also observed on the same day every year. 

National Mourning Day History

In 1970, a native American Wamsutta from the Wampanoag tribe was asked to speak at a fancy celebration in Massachusetts.

It was the occasion of the 350th Anniversary of the Mayflower. This event was held on Thanksgiving and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts hall.

However, Wamsutta, also known as Frank James, was told that he would not be allowed to speak at the event. 

He launched a protest and spoke about the struggle native Americans go through.

Since then, the country has observed a mourning day in solidarity with the hardships of Native Americans all over the country.

Mourning Day Events

The native American population gathers on Coles Hill annually on Thanksgiving day to honor the struggles of their ancestors against centuries of oppression. 

Coles hill is located near Plymouth in Massachusetts, and supporters and sympathizers of the natives gather here to attend the events. 

The day events are organized by United American Indians of New England (UAINE) and include various activities to show support and solidarity towards their ancestors. 

One of the most prominent activities at Plymouth events was coming together at the Statue of Massasoit. 

Nowadays, many other minorities are gathering at Plymouth in search of fairness against injustices in modern times.

This includes racism or discrimination based on any other thing.

Importance of National Mourning Day

The day of mourning is extremely significant for all Americans. Here is why it is such an important day in the history of the USA.

  • The National Day of Mourning reminds us that Thanksgiving is only a part of the story.
  • While it is okay to celebrate Thanksgiving, the sacrifices made by Native Americans should also be recognized.
  • It shows us that the events of 1970 are not the way this country is supposed to be.
  • By not allowing Wamsutta to speak, those in power were wrong as they showed signs of discrimination towards Native Americans. 
  • The Mourning Day symbolizes the struggles of Native Americans and uses it as a reminder for generations to come.
  • The day is extremely significant for the natives as they never liked the national holiday of Thanksgiving.
  • The natives disliked the colonists’ alteration of history to make the events cleaner when, in reality, that was not the case.
  • This day shows the Native Americans that the country and the government acknowledge their struggles against the treatment they have received since Plymouth.
  • Mourning day is also important for Americans who want to make the country great again. Many Americans believe in the idea of fair treatment for fellow countrymen. 
  • Native Americans observe this event every year by coming to Plymouth, Massachusetts, on Thanksgiving, and the day has become a part of their culture and history.

5 Ways to Observe National Mourning Day?

Here’s how you can observe the mourning day this year.

Learn About the Real History

One of the best things to do on Mourning day is to learn about the country’s past.

If you don’t already know about the day, then you should take some time out and learn all you can. 

You must also maintain respect and positive thoughts if you ask Native Americans about their side of the story.

Attend a Memorial Ceremony

If you cannot go all the way to Plymouth on Thanksgiving day, a memorial ceremony might be the perfect way to show solidarity. 

Memorial ceremonies are organized by many people and take place across the country.

Raise Awareness of the National Day of Mourning

Millions of people still don’t know or wouldn’t want to acknowledge the hardships of Native Americans after the 16th century. 

For this reason, you should talk about the true history of your friends and relatives that come over on Thanksgiving for Turkey.

Teach the Future Generation

It is well known that this is public knowledge and many people already know about it.

However, it’s important to pass down the information and transfer knowledge about the series of events to the next generation. 

This will ensure that future generations will know the struggles of their countrymen and respect the minorities for their efforts in making this country much better.

Take Part in the Events Organized By UAINE

UAINE organizes events at Plymouth every year; you can be a part of it.

You can go to Coles Hill on Thanksgiving and observe the mourning day with your native brothers and sisters. 

The gathering in Massachusetts is yearly; if you can, you can support the movement in person.

Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the Mourning Day A Public Holiday?

Yes, mourning day is considered a public holiday.
This is because Thanksgiving and mourning day happens on the same day every year, and that day is declared a public holiday by the US government.

Q2: How Many Americans Observe The Mourning Day?

The minority groups generally observe the mourning day.
Mainly the 5 million population of Native Americans observe it, but there are a lot of other minority groups as well as supporters and sympathizers of the natives.

Bottom Line

The National Day of Mourning is observed yearly to make us realize that Thanksgiving day is not all about celebration. 

While it is okay to spend time with your friends and family and enjoy a nice turkey meal, you may also acknowledge another side of the story. 

The events of 1970 changed the course of history, and the country made great improvements in efforts to eliminate discrimination and racism.

We hope that the people of the US continue to go in this direction and no minority group is ever oppressed again.

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