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 an 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 tranquility, 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 unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase 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.
George Washington, President of the United States
Blessings ~ Thanksgiving ~ George Washington ~ (photos taken at Shockley Days)
Lisa says
Oh, for a president who believes like that!
Jill Cooper says
My dh mentioned this the other day – well that Abraham Lincoln had officially made Thanksgiving a national holiday so I went out and found this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States) It's fascinating! Evidently they had "thanksgiving" days for all manner of things all along until it was made a national holiday and at different times of year. I love Wikipedia – you can't possibly ever be bored when you have something interesting to read LOL Thanks for jogging my memory Sandra – I love to explore new things. Hugs!
Dianna says
Love the pictures you've chosen to illustrate the proclamation of our first President.
goatldi says
Where there is life there is hope. Thank you for yourself and wonder filled sharing always. For you are one of the many precious women that He put in my path to help me reach out and hear His call.
Flat Creek Farm says
A wonderful reminder! Love the pics too. Thinking of you and hope all is well ♥-Tammy
Nancy says
Oh that all our governing officials today would hold to the beliefs of those who founded our country. May God forgive us and help us to be one nation under Him once more. There is always hope, and your post reminds me that there is. Thank you.
Dawn González says
I wish we still spoke so eloquently. Our history is so rich with faith and generosity and gratitude. Thank you for this remembrance. I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.
Maa says
Hello Sandra. I'm thinking of you today and I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Hugs Sue
annie says
absolutely yes!
hope you have a wonderful friday and weekend!
Divine Theatre says
I was unable to attend Thanksgiving at my in-laws because Tallulah is sick. However, I sent a copy of this proclamation with my husband and they read it before the traditional prayers. Everyone cried.
There is hope.
Happy Thanksgiving, my beautiful friend!
xo
Andie
Donna says
I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with love and blessings!
And your quote just made me all the more wistful for a President like Washington again!
NanaNor's says
Our country was founded on God's principles-such a shame that it no longer stands for Him. I pray this finds you warm and inside, not outside slipping and sliding.
Thanksgiving Blessings from my heart to yours.
Hugs, Noreen