with a discussion i have tonight. if you think about thanksgiving season and the fact that we are gathered here to discuss the mayflower compact and the fact that it is the 401st anniversary of the signing of this quintessential and inspiring american document just warms my heart. i am so delighted to see the young people here as well for this incredible conversation that we will have this evening. on behalf of our current president, and our president elect, dr. kevin roberts, i bring greetings and express our complete delight to partner with rfi and the museum of the bible for the 1620, the mayflower compact and america s founding event. at a time when the moral fabric of the american founding is constantly under assault we are so reminded of the power of storytelling. for thousands of years humans have relied on storytelling to transfer history and knowledge, to share emotions, and to relate personal experiences. so, the story of how the pilgrims sewed the seeds of liberty