In this exciting family special, travel back in time to see the Continental Congress declare a national day of Thanks and witness Abraham Lincoln sign a proclamation making it a federal holiday.

But the history of the holiday is just a small part of this uplifting show.  It also includes wonderful stories of how Thanksgiving has made a difference in the lives of Americans.

• Football has always played an important role in American Thanksgiving and two of the sport’s more exceptional players are doing everything in their power to make a difference. 

Mike Utley of the Detroit Lions shows true spirit in fighting his paralysis and in helping to cure other spinal cord injury victims.  Drew Bledsoe, current Dallas Cowboys quarterback, has built a foundation for troubled kids and their families.  He tells us what it’s like to play in the NFL on Thanksgiving Day.  

• The Montana Grizzly Encounter, which advocates the protection of grizzlies in the wild, was developed around the rescue of two grizzly bears, one of whom joins his human family to sit down at the table to share a Thanksgiving dinner.

• A former gang member turns from his life of crime and finds redemption by helping others.

• Veterans share unforgettable first hand accounts of Thanksgiving on the front lines and men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces spending their holiday overseas tell us what Thanksgiving means to them. 

• Visit the world center of Thanksgiving in Dallas, TX.

• The moving story of hurricane Katrina victims who are finally given a reason to be thankful!

Every aspect of this important American holiday plays a part in this extraordinary special.  It is a television event that all family members can enjoy and share this Thanksgiving.