Centuries after the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a fall feast in 1621, Thanksgiving is still a big occasion in America. It was President Abraham Lincoln who proclaimed it a national holiday in 1863, in the middle of the Civil War.

Today, area residents share what they’re thankful for.

Fenton Fire Chief Robert Cairnduff said he’s thankful for his family, with four boys who all have good health.

“That’s the most important thing,” Cairnduff said.

Fenton High School senior Caila Ryan also named her family as what she’s most thankful for.

Area resident Sandra Davies said she’s glad to be alive.

“We’re all staying in good health over here, I hope,” said Davies, a member of the Loose Senior Center in Linden.

Susan Allen, of Fenton, said she’s thankful for “so many blessings.”

“I’m most thankful that all of my family — children, grandchildren — are all close in geography,” Allen said. “I’m really able to spend my time with them.”

Dennis Colwell, also of Fenton, said he’s thankful for every day the Lord gives, and being physically able to help others through the local Thanksgiving basket program.

Another Fenton resident, Gail Ponzetti, said she’s grateful for her new grandbaby, Rocco, 6 months.

“We have playdates on Wednesdays,” Ponzetti said.

For more Thanksgiving history, see www.history.com