A Proclamation of Thanksgiving Day in 1789

Thanksgiving is a day of blessings. To be thankful and to give praises to God who bestows all good things.  In 1789, a proclamation was made by the founding fathers. On Thanksgiving, families and friends draw close, to acknowledge relationships, and to give thanks for the benefits that many so often take for granted.

Let this Thanksgiving be a day of gratitude. Remember those who are less fortunate. Be kind to one another. Share a smile. Give a hug. Practice kindness and be a blessing to someone else.

Thanksgiving is best known for the turkey and stuffing, the plates of food that fill the table and the reunion of family members. Acknowledging these blessings, giving thanks and praise, and getting together with friends and family are what inspire people on Thanksgiving.

Remember why we celebrate Thanksgiving, read these words from George Washington.

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor – and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

“Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be — That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks — for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation — for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war — for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed — for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.” (Oct. 3, 1789) – George Washington, President of the United States of America

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!