The AM Forum

The Thanksgiving Proclamation
New York, 3 October 1789

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Proclamation

[New York, 3 October 1789]

By the President of the United States of America. a Proclamation.

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 thecourse 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.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

G. Washington

Thanks for sharing the proclamation with us, Bud.  It is important that we remember that for which we should be thankful, and all the sacrifice and hard work that gave us what we have today.  Funny, when I was shopping at the grocery store this afternoon for last-minute items, even though the store was very busy, everyone was unusually polite and thoughtful.  I do not suppose that will carry over to the mobs that hit the stores on Friday!

I wish a safe, healthy, and enjoyable holiday to all.

Thanks for sharing with us Bud, what a wonderful proclamation to keep in mind as we give thanks for the blessings of our lives and country. May God continue to bless and protect the United States and those who serve her, and may we return to the roots, to the very foundation of spiritual Liberty which has made this country great.

Jefferson Memorial
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AMEN brother...

Happy Thanksgiving. 

Say a prayer for all those who are eating theirs while they stand watch to protect us.

May God bless them and bring them home safe for the next Thanksgiving meal.

Happy Thanksgiving !!

G