As Americans gather with family and friends
to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for the many
ways that our Nation and our people have been blessed.
The Thanksgiving tradition dates back to
the earliest days of our society, celebrated in decisive
moments in our history and in quiet times around family
tables. Nearly four centuries have passed since early settlers
gave thanks for their safe arrival and pilgrims enjoyed
a harvest feast to thank God for allowing them to survive
a harsh winter in the New World. General George Washington
observed Thanksgiving during the Revolutionary War, and
in his first proclamation after becoming President, he declared
November 26, 1789, a national day of "thanksgiving
and prayer." During the Civil War, President Abraham
Lincoln revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving,
reminding a divided Nation of its founding ideals.
At this time of great promise for America,
we are grateful for the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution
and defended by our Armed Forces throughout the generations.
Today, many of these courageous men and women are securing
our peace in places far from home, and we pay tribute to
them and to their families for their service, sacrifice,
and strength. We also honor the families of the fallen and
lift them up in our prayers.
Our citizens are privileged to live in the
world's freest country, where the hope of the American dream
is within the reach of every person. Americans share a desire
to answer the universal call to serve something greater
than ourselves, and we see this spirit every day in the
millions of volunteers throughout our country who bring
hope and healing to those in need. On this Thanksgiving
Day, and throughout the year, let us show our gratitude
for the blessings of freedom, family, and faith, and may
God continue to bless America.
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 Thursday, November 23, 2006,
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 reinforce 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 sixteenth day of November, in the year of our
Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE
November 16, 2006
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