Happy Thanksgiving!

On October 3, 1789, President George Washington proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a day of observance for national thanksgiving. The following is part of that 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.’’ 

President George Washington, October 3, 1789

On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national and fixed Union Festival. The following is part of the proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln.

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday in November next, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and obedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers.’’ 

President Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863

It’s that time of the year when we celebrate,  

but let’s not forget the true meaning, this day,

to give thanks for the life we’ve been given, 

and not get caught up in all the food and the fray.

To give thanks for the gifts God has given, 

even though our rewards may be small, 

lets gather together in the spirit of giving, 

with family and friends, one and all.

Happy Thanksgiving!