George Washington’s
Declaration of a Day of Thanks
On November 26, 1789, Present George Washington issued
a general proclamation for a special day of thanks.
"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 these United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed
by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many single 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 to 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, and 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 single and manifold mercies, and the favorable interposition of
his providence, which we experience in the course and conclusion of the late
war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have
since enjoyed 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 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 unto us) and to bless them with good
government, peace, and concord. To promote 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." (This was taken from the writings of George
Washington from the Original Manuscripts Sources by John C. Fitzpatrick;
1745-1799, 39 Vol. Government Printing Office, 1931-1944.)
