George Washington’s Original Thanksgiving Day Proclamtion
Read Carefully: The Language is Old but the Idea remains Relevant Through the Ages!
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 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 shown 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 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 First President of the United States
KATHRYN TEEL says
Wow I didn’t know this at all very interesting, I wish this country felt the same way.
Jeanna Massman says
This is an interesting article. I knew some of the history of Thanksgiving but not all the details.
Brittany Gilley says
thanks for sharing this!
Cindi Knowles says
Very deep. Too bad that our country is so damn divided now, way too concerned with race, politics and things that don’t matter. Very sad. Someone needs to read that aloud on the news.
Shelley Zurek says
Thank you for your thoughtful response. Agree!
Debbie P says
This is very interesting.
Dana Rodriguez says
This is a really nice post. Thanks for sharing.
Kara Marks says
I love this! Ty for sharing it.
Michael Coovert says
I have always found it kind of sad that we have to designate one day to be thankful. I am grateful and thankful every day for so much.
Sarah L says
An Attitude of Gratitude is always in style.
Barrie says
Wow. Very awesome! I’m printing out for Thanksgiving!
ROBERT PRICE says
LOVE IT!
Sandy C says
That is just amazing. I never knew President Washington did this for our new country!
Shannon Holmes says
I love this. What it really should mean.
Shawna says
Wow! I have never read that before. It’s very beautiful! There it is, the true intended meaning of Thanksgiving from President George Washington himself!
Rochelle Haynes says
I love this holiday giving thinks for all you have and your blessings
Deborah D says
Very well written.
Dana Rodriguez says
This is an interesting post. Thanks for sharing! I try to be thankful everyday.
alice f says
I still believe the U,S. is the best nation. However, we have so very much room for improvement! The above is a wonderful read and needs to be handed to each politician in DC.
Amy Baker says
Perfection 💖 I would love to embroider this! A sentiment for the ages, indeed.
Sarah L says
I propose sending a copy of this to everyone in Washington, D.C.
I’m thankful my health has been good this year.