ALACATRAZ ISLAND, Calif. -- Forty years ago, a determined band of Native Americans took a small boat across San Francisco Bay and staked a claim on Alcatraz Island.

And on thanksgiving thousands returned to Alcatraz "to remember" and give thanks.

They packed several ferry boats for the pre-dawn trip.

Native Americans who went along said those who occupied Alcatraz were "young warriors" and "courageous heroes."

"I don't think many people realize that the American Indian movement was born here in the Bay Area and that so many things came out of the occupation of Alcatraz," said Lenny Foster of Fort Defiance, Arizona.

It was also a day of Native American culture and spirituality.

The sunrise service was part of a week of events commemorating the occupation of Alcatraz four decades ago.