National Day of Mourning: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Day of Mourning (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Day of Mourning is celebrated on November 24th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Day of Mourning, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you may want to know about National Day of Mourning.

📅 What day is National Day of Mourning 2024?

In 2024, National Day of Mourning is on Friday, November 24th. It is the 4th Friday in November; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about November 24, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

📜 National Day of Mourning History

In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth and established the first colony, making it the oldest municipality in New England. However, Native Americans do not view the arrival of the Pilgrims and subsequent European settlers as a cause for celebration. Instead, they see Thanksgiving as a painful reminder of the genocide, land theft, and cultural oppression that their ancestors endured. Native Americans participate in events like the National Day of Mourning to honor their ancestors and highlight the ongoing struggles they face today. These events are organized by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE), who argue that the Pilgrims took tribal land without establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with the locals. UAINE members believe that the colonizers brought negative aspects such as sexism, racism, homophobia, incarceration, and social inequality. The National Day of Mourning typically includes a march through Plymouth’s historic area and welcomes people of all backgrounds to join in the protest. However, only Native speakers are invited to share their perspectives on the history and challenges faced by Native people. Guests are requested to bring non-alcoholic beverages, sweets, fresh fruits and vegetables, or pre-cooked foods. The rally is open to the public and has attracted other minority activists as well.

✅ National Day of Mourning Facts

🔖 ​Thank you for your service
Although they were not officially recognized as American citizens, more than 8,000 Native Americans bravely served in the military during World War I.

🔖 Your great-grandma is who?
A significant number of the first families who established themselves in Virginia can potentially trace their lineage back to Pocahontas.

🔖 ​They’ve been here a while
The presence of Native Americans can be traced back to around 12,000 BC in what is now known as the United States.

👍 Why Is National Day of Mourning Important

The unfair treatment of Native Americans is frequently glossed over in textbooks. The National Day of Mourning, on the other hand, serves as a reminder that the people of the Americas have been subjected to a great deal of injustice. It’s critical to talk about it.
The National Day of Mourning acts as a rallying point for demonstrators to advocate for what they believe in. UAINE has strived to strengthen ties between the government and indigenous peoples.
Yes, Thanksgiving can be a wonderful day full of delicious food and quality time spent with loved ones. The National Day of Mourning, on the other hand, seeks to emphasize the fact that the Thanksgiving holiday may be extremely traumatic for certain people. For many Native Americans in New England, Thanksgiving represents a period when their forefathers were mistreated.

🙂 How To Observe National Day of Mourning

⚡ Attend a protest

⚡ Brush up on your history
Do you have any information about the original Thanksgiving? It would be beneficial to do some research online, visit your nearby library, or watch a documentary to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of Native Americans during that time.

⚡ Learn more about the United American Indians of New England (UAINE)
Protesters assemble on Cole’s Hill in Massachusetts, overlooking Plymouth Rock. Everyone is welcome to come to these meetings, and recently, people from other minority groups have started to join in the fun on this day.

📅 When is National Day of Mourning?

View all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Historical holidays.

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