Monday, November 16, 2009

Motivational Monday "Happy Thanksgiving Proclamation"


Thanksgiving Day Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America
November 21, 2008

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and express gratitude for all that we have been given, the freedoms we enjoy, and the loved ones who enrich our lives. We recognize that all of these blessings, and life itself, come not from the hand of man but from Almighty God.

Every Thanksgiving, we remember the story of the Pilgrims who came to America in search of religious freedom and a better life. Having arrived in the New World, these early settlers gave thanks to the Author of Life for granting them safe passage to this abundant land and protecting them through a bitter winter. Our Nation's first President, George Washington, stated in the first Thanksgiving proclamation that "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." While in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, asking God to heal our wounds and restore our country.

Today, as we look back on the beginnings of our democracy, Americans recall that we live in a land of many blessings where every person has the right to live, work, and worship in freedom. Our Nation is especially thankful for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who protect these rights while setting aside their own comfort and safety. Their courage keeps us free, their sacrifice makes us grateful, and their character makes us proud. Especially during the holidays, our whole country keeps them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

Americans are also mindful of the need to share our gifts with others, and our Nation is moved to compassionate action. We pay tribute to all caring citizens who reach out a helping hand and serve a cause larger than themselves.

On this day, let us all give thanks to God who blessed our Nation's first days and who blesses us today. May He continue to guide and watch over our families and our country always.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 27, 2008, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to strengthen the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

I thought this was interesting that President Bush gave a Thanksgiving Proclamation and gave thanks to God. Makes me wonder what Obama will do and who he will give thanks to. You can read more of Presidential proclamations here

7 comments:

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Thanks for sharing that! I worry about our country and the lack of our leadership to acknowledge God and religion.

Valerie said...

I did hear that last year, but forgot about it. Thanks for posting it. It's good to know that some politicians aren't afraid to acknowledge God.

Small House said...

Wonderful post. I've said it before and I'll say it again...
"Given this land, if they live righteously." Let's hope our President is a man of hope and faith in a loving Heavenly Father.
Sandra

CB said...

I miss George baby!!

Obama has already said that he will not have a Christmas tree at the White House this year he will have a "Hliday Tree" and there will be no religious ornaments on it.

Does this tell you the difference? UGH!!!!! Makes me literally sick.

Scrappy Girl said...

Obama will do the generic thing so that no one is offended.

MOM said...

I love what presdent Bush had to say. I hate that this country is starting to forget what our country is made of by the gift of God. I WILL NEVER SAY HAPPY HOILDAYS. AND WILL TELL EVERYONE THATS SAY IT TO ME IF YOU CAN'T SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS DON'T SAY ANYTHING. I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE FEELING OF THOSE WHO DON'T BELIVE IN THE SAVOR AND THE GIFT OF LIFE.AND THE WONDERFUL COUNTRY WE LIVE IN. THANKS FOR THE POST.
MOM

Anonymous said...

To your Mom,
Her comment that "I don't care about the feelings of those who don't beleive in the savior and the gift of life," is just not a God like thing to say. God, our father cares about everyone, even the ungodly and those who are of different religion and or creed. I agree that the U.S. is a great nation, and indeed for that we must give thanks to its people and its leader (both past and present) making it what it is. Having said that, I can't help but feel that for many Americans, even the bible tooting Christians, Christmas and Thanksgiving are not about the spirit of caring and sharing and being thankful, but more about commericalization. Sales, sales and more sales.

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