“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 favour …”

. . .  So began President George Washington’s Thanksgiving Day Proclamation.

   On October 3, 1789, President Washington issued our Nation’s first Thanksgiving Day Proclamation (Click here to read the complete original Proclamation). Thus, began a national holiday that has been celebrated in times of peace and in times of war, in times of joy and in times of sadness.

   Because men and women are standing guard at home and in far off places, Thanksgiving is a day of joyful celebration, family, friends, food and football. Yet, on this day, we should ever be mindful that we are a house divided. So, it’s proper to reflect on President Washington’s reason for our Nation’s first Thanksgiving: 

“[T]hat 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.”

   As you reflect on this day, take time to thank God for the many blessings we enjoy in this amazing land of ours. Pray that He forgives our national sin of abortion.

Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, pray before their Thanksgiving meal Nov. 23, 2006 in Iraq. CREDIT: Maj. Mike Lins. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota National Guard.

   Pray for God’s protection over the men and women serving in our Armed Forces, standing the lonely guard, in rough and faraway places, so that we can freely thank God for His many blessings.  

From the Thomas More Law Center staff: Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!



Richard Thompson
Thomas More Law Center
President and Chief Counsel