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The First National Thanksgiving
Before Thanksgiving became the national holiday we know today, it was first proclaimed by President George Washington in 1789.
His proclamation called for a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, acknowledging the many blessings bestowed upon the nation. In his words,
"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...Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the People of the United 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."
Washington's proclamation not only highlighted the importance of gratitude but also emphasized the significance of freedom and the role of divine providence in shaping the nation's destiny.
Read the full proclamation here: 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
