(Tim, w/thanks to Eric) Comparing today's Thanksgiving Proclamation by President Obama with last year's by President Bush presents us a study in contrasts. Specifically, one heart that turns in gratitude to God and one that doesn't...
A friend observes this may be the first time in the history of presidential Thanksgiving proclamations the President does not call men to give thanks to God. If anyone has the gumption to check it out, please let us know. First, President Barack Hussein Obama; second, President George W. Bush.
Thanksgiving Day 2009
November 23, 2009
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
What began as a harvest celebration between European settlers and
indigenous communities nearly four centuries ago has become our
cherished tradition of Thanksgiving. This day's roots are intertwined
with those of our Nation, and its history traces the American narrative...
Today, we recall President George Washington, who proclaimed our
first national day of public thanksgiving to be observed "by
acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of
Almighty God," and President Abraham Lincoln, who established our
annual Thanksgiving Day to help mend a fractured Nation in the midst of
civil war. We also recognize the contributions of Native Americans, who
helped the early colonists survive their first harsh winter and
continue to strengthen our Nation. From our earliest days of
independence, and in times of tragedy and triumph, Americans have come
together to celebrate Thanksgiving.
As Americans, we hail from every part of the world. While we observe
traditions from every culture, Thanksgiving Day is a unique national
tradition we all share. Its spirit binds us together as one people,
each of us thankful for our common blessings.
As we gather once again among loved ones, let us also reach out to
our neighbors and fellow citizens in need of a helping hand. This is a
time for us to renew our bonds with one another, and we can fulfill
that commitment by serving our communities and our Nation throughout
the year. In doing so, we pay tribute to our country's men and women in
uniform who set an example of service that inspires us all. Let us be
guided by the legacy of those who have fought for the freedoms for
which we give thanks, and be worthy heirs to the noble tradition of
goodwill shown on this day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday,
November 26, 2009, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all
the people of the United States to come together, whether in our homes,
places of worship, community centers, or any place where family,
friends and neighbors may gather, with gratitude for all we have
received in the past year; to express appreciation to those whose lives
enrich our own; and to share our bounty with others.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day
of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Thanksgiving Day 2008
November 21, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
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
