James instead delivered his speech on Cole's Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts next to a statue of Ousamequin, where he described Native American perspectives on the Thanksgiving celebrations.

James was the leader of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head and president of the Federated Eastern Indian League.

[3][2][4] A representative from the Department of Commerce and Development explained to James that According to a recollection from Tall Oak, who continues to participate in modern National Days of Mourning, the event organizers anticipated that James's accusations would have been rejected by most of those in attendance, had he been allowed to issue them: "we can’t allow you to read that (be)cause 90% of the people would walk out.

"[5] Wamsutta Frank James, Tall Oak Weeden, Gary Parker, Shirley Mills, Rayleen Bey, and several other people organized speakers, recruited attendees on a national scale, and arranged accommodations for out-of-town guests.

[2] The United American Indians of New England (UAINE), founded by James in 1970, continues to organize the annual National Day of Mourning rally at Cole's Hill.

The National Day of Mourning protest is held annually at Cole's Hill and is attended by several hundred participants.