Plymouth 400’s Illuminate Thanksgiving event featured performances by Plymouth North High School’s Northern Lights a cappella group and Nicole Bronchuk from The Dance Factory, as well as Plymouth Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. The “Who Illuminates You” essay contest winner, 16-year-old Theo Anninos from Plymouth North High School, read his essay about how his grandfather’s immigration from Greece to the United States and obtaining a US Citizenship after fifty years in this country remind Theo that “anything is possible.” The General Society of Mayflower Descendants’ Assistant Governor General, Dr. George Garmany, spoke about the significance of Bradford’s famous quote, and D. Brenton Simons, a direct descendant of William Bradford and President and CEO of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, read the inspirational words of his ancestor to the crowd.
The annual presentation of the “One Small Candle” award was introduced by the Earl Family, who received the award last year for inspiring millions through their late daughter, Esther Grace Earl’s words of encouragement and love, which they do through their foundation called This Star Won’t Go Out. The Earl Family presented the award to the Bergquist Family, who founded Cell Phones for Soldiers, a nonprofit that supports soldiers by providing calling cards and mobile minutes so that they can contact their families while serving overseas.