

Thanksgiving Day –

Religious to Secular

A Study on the transition of the celebration of Thanksgiving Day from 1621 to 2012

### By Jim Davenport

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2011-2012

InfoSys Solutions Associates, Inc.

All rights reserved.

ISBN 9781301704156

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

For information please address:

Jim Davenport

InfoSys Solutions Associates, Inc.

4740 Riversound Drive

Snellville, GA 30039

jimdavenport.wordpress.com

jamesldavenport@gmail.com

Other Books by Jim Davenport

# Book Description

In what now seems to be the ancient past, many of the early Europeans who risked their lives to settle the lands of the Americas were dependent on God and openly thankful for His blessings. The celebration of a day or season of Thanksgiving was a religious observance accompanied by worship, prayer, a hearty meal and a community attitude of thankfulness. In modern times the day or season of Thanksgiving that started in the colonies as a religious observance has transitioned over time to a primarily secular long weekend spent with family and friends while over-eating, watching football and shopping like crazy.

This book traces the history of how the celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States of America has changed from the time of the Pilgrims in 1621 to the Presidency of Barack Hussein Obama in 2012. The primary purpose of the book is to encourage Christians to refocus their Thanksgiving Day celebration away from the secular to the religious with an emphasis on giving thanks to our Creator and Providential Provider... Almighty Jehovah God.

# Contents

Book Description

Contents

... Dedication

... About Jim Davenport

... About My Blog

Foreword

Chapter 1 – The Pilgrims

Chapter 2 – Beyond the Pilgrims to Washington

Chapter 3 – Beyond Washington to Lincoln

Chapter 4 – Beyond Lincoln to Obama

Appendix A – Notes, Proclamations and Events

Appendix B – List of United States Presidents

Appendix C – Religious Affiliation – Summary

Appendix D – Religious Affiliation – Detail

Appendix E – List of Links

..... Preliminaries

..... Chapter 1

..... Chapter 2

..... Chapter 3

..... Chapter 4

..... Appendix A

..... Appendix D

#... Dedication

This book is dedicated to my beloved wife and best friend Charlotte, who next to the Lord Jesus means more to me than anyone or anything else in this whole world!

Charlotte is patient, kind and loving no matter the situation. She allows me plenty of space to concentrate on my writing without even a hint of complaint. I know there are times that I neglect both her and my role as her husband, yet she never complains.

Charlotte patiently reads all of my manuscripts and provides insightful and honest feedback. Without her I couldn't do much of anything. I love Charlotte with all of my heart and thank God every day for putting us together for life more than fifty years ago. Thank you God for the wonderful gift of Charlotte!

#... About Jim Davenport

Jim Davenport resides in Snellville, Georgia. Jim is a Christian author and businessman and is an active member of a Southern Baptist Church.

Jim and his wife Charlotte have a mountain home located on Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama where they spend many spring, summer and fall days working in their raised bed garden.

Jim serves as a Deacon and Trustee in his local church and a Trustee of Shorter University, an intentionally Christian institution located in Rome, Georgia.

Jim has a passion for the word of God and has always believed that Christian principles should guide every aspect of his life. He also loves Christian music and often serves as a tenor soloist in his church. One of the highlights of Jim's life was the nearly 20 years he spent singing with The Good News, a southern gospel quartet.

Jim served as an Information Technology professional his entire working career of over 45 years having held senior positions in and consulted with hundreds of world class organizations. Jim is President and founder of Infosys Solutions Associates, Inc. which is a "Trusted Advisor" technology and business consulting firm and the organization which owns his published books, blog site and related articles.

Jim holds both a BS and an MS in Mathematics from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia and completed Management Development Training at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

#... About My Blog – jimdavenport.wordpress.com

I am not an accomplished author by any stretch of the imagination. But I do enjoy writing about subjects that are important to me. I have spent much of my life in the information technology and consulting fields overseeing the successful preparation and presentation of tens of thousands of pages of complex technical and business documentation. At the same time, I have not written that much about what is really important to me... namely, sharing my Christian life experience with others in hopes that it would be meaningful to them in their Christian walk. Over the years as a Sunday School teacher at Pine Lake Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia, I put together hundreds of notes and outlines to guide my teaching. I always intended to develop some of those notes into a series of articles.

In late 2010 as my business career began to wind down and after suffering some health issues, I realized that I needed to move on with the development of the articles post haste. So I started a "blog" site using Wordpress.com to post articles as each was completed.

At times my posts are rather passionate and touch on subjects that are controversial. Admittedly, my posts are not very scholarly and are often quite opinionated. However, I always try to provide ample scripture to back up my points.

I realize that not everyone will appreciate my point of view, but my prayer is that I will make you think... and in particular think about your relationship to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Your courteous comments are always welcome.

Please visit my blog site for additional articles and information about Jim Davenport.

# Foreword

When I was first impressed to write and publish a number of articles on my blog site on the topic of thankfulness, I had little idea where that would ultimately lead. The Lord impressed upon my heart that I should write a brief inspirational article on how the United States of America has changed the way it celebrates the annual Thanksgiving Day since its inception. So I began to sketch out an outline for my usual style article.

As I started the research process, I began to reflect on the way my own family had celebrated Thanksgiving over my lifetime and how that celebration had gradually changed. I recalled the wonderful Thanksgiving meals prepared by my parents and my wife's parents. I recalled the very special prayers offered by my wife's father as we gathered around the table... Oh, how he loved his children! I recalled how the children and some of the adults would play touch football in the yard after the delicious feast. I recalled how after the passing of my wife's father, the traditional annual gathering of my wife's family moved to the homes of the children and grandchildren on a rotating basis. I recalled how that much wonderful annual gathering of the family eventually ended and was replaced by a summer event when the family grew so large that it was too complicated for everyone to gather at both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As I pondered what should be included in the article, I found that I had been led in an unexpected direction. I realized that I had witnessed a gradual decay in the way that the citizens of the United States celebrate the Thanksgiving season. The celebration had changed from what was once primarily a religious celebration to one of a secular nature.

What started out to be a couple of brief articles grew into a four-part series of rather lengthy articles that were published in my blog site over a period of two months. The research left me with a significant amount of notes and the understanding that I had developed the topic well enough to put the material into a book to preserve it for my family and friends well into the future.

My hope is that the reader will find this book not only interesting but inspirational and refocus our Thanksgiving celebrations away from the secular and back to religious.

# Chapter 1 - The Pilgrims

Background:

In what now seems to be the ancient past, many of the early Europeans who risked their lives to settle the lands of the Americas were dependent on God and openly thankful for His blessings. The celebration of a day or season of Thanksgiving was a religious observance accompanied by worship, prayer, a hearty meal and a community attitude of thankfulness. In modern times the day or season of Thanksgiving that started in the USA as a religious observance has transitioned over time to a primarily secular long weekend spent with family and friends while over-eating, watching football and shopping like crazy.

Clearly not all people in the Unites States have lost their focus on God during the traditional Thanksgiving season, but the majority of its citizens have either lost sight of the original purpose for the celebration or feel they owe nothing to God for His divine providence. In order to strengthen our understanding and focus on the religious nature of the Thanksgiving season, I have decided to expand on my articles on thankfulness and thanksgiving.

**Scripture:** (all NKJV unless otherwise noted)

1 Chronicles 29:14 – _Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand._

James 1:17 – _Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning._

Psalm 136:1 – _Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever._

Psalm 107:8-9 – 8 _Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness._

Discussion:

Jewish family sharing Passover meal

The history of days of Thanksgiving and the celebration of the harvest dates back thousands of years. Such days were observed by almost every religion in their own fashion in all of the parts of the ancient world. The Jews collectively observed, and still do, a number of seasons of thanksgiving and worship honoring such events as the Exodus (Passover), the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), the festival of lights (Chanukah), and the day of atonement (Yom Kippur).

Pilgrims celebrate the traditional first Thanksgiving at Plymouth in 1621

As most every USA youngster of school age can tell you, the observance of a day of thanksgiving in the USA dates back almost 400 years to the settlement at Plymouth in the "new world" by a group of English Puritan Separatists and others. The Puritans were bound for a predetermined location in Virginia but settled for the Plymouth location near the mouth of the Hudson River in what is now Massachusetts. There they would practice their faith conservatively and freely without persecution. These early settlers much later (1799) came to be known as the Pilgrim Fathers, Pilgrims for short. This first observance by those in Plymouth in October of 1621 commemorated the bountiful harvest and provided a special time to remember God's goodness and care for them.

In 1623 an official day of Thanksgiving was declared by the colony Governor, William Bradford, and observed by all in the Plymouth colony on Thursday, November 29. Here is Bradford's proclamation:

Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, peas, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as he has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience.

Now I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and ye little ones, do gather at ye meeting-house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November 29th, of the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and twenty-three and the third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye Pilgrim Rock, **there to listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings.**

"Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor," by William Halsall, 1882 at Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

1 Chronicles 29:14 clearly states that **EVERYTHING** comes from God. It is **ALL** His... without exception! It is apparent to me that the Pilgrims knew that fact very well. So much had been against them from the beginning of their journey. But they remained faithful, recognizing their dependence upon God for their ultimate success. Their departure from Plymouth England had been repeatedly delayed and pushed their arrival in the new world into late fall when constructing permanent housing and other necessary facilities on land would be severely hampered by winter weather. Their sixty-five day ocean crossing in extremely cramped quarters led to scurvy, dysentery and other dreaded diseases. Due to those diseases and the horrid housing conditions that first treacherous winter, the immigrants number dwindled from 102 departing Plymouth England to 57. They had buried 45 of their family members and friends, nearly half of their population. Yet they were thankful for God's mercy, protection and care! **How could they have been so thankful?** Could the answer be that **the freedom to worship the God they loved in accordance with the teachings of the Bible without persecution** outweighed all of the negatives? I think so!

When we reach the realization that God owns it all and that every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17), we look at life very differently. Our minds are not filled with thoughts and memories of OUR accomplishments. Rather, we realize that our thoughts and memories are the result of that which GOD has allowed to be accomplished through us.

Psalm 136 speaks to God's goodness and His forever enduring mercy (loving-kindness). See my recent article  An Attitude of Thankfulness. Temporary trials and hardships can even be blessings. Psalm 107:8-9 gets right to the point advising " _Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness._ "

Reflection:

Christian, our religious freedom is under constant attack in today's society. Even the government is walking a fine line by making decisions that infringe upon the rights of religious bodies... in effect, persecuting those religious entities. For example, the  Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka, ObamaCare) mandates that birth control and abortion be covered by insurance programs even though it goes directly against their religious beliefs. Catholic organizations and even some private entities (such as Hobby Lobby) all over the country have  filed suit against the USA government for the contraception mandate. Is this a form of religious persecution? How far will religious institutions be pushed away from their basic beliefs to accomplish a governmental purpose?

An American family giving thanks on Thanksgiving Day in 1941

When you and your family and friends gather this Thanksgiving I encourage you to focus on God and His bountiful blessings on your life and that of your family and friends... even through trials and tribulations. Keep the emphasis on the religious side of thankfulness instead of on the secular. It is not too late to influence how you will observe the four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend. You can take the lead in this effort. How about setting up a specific time around the table, perhaps before the prayer of thanksgiving, and let each person at the table openly and specifically share how thankful they are for God's blessings in their lives. After the meal, defer the clean-up for a while and engage the group in happy and uplifting conversation that keeps the focus on God... not eating, not football, not shopping. Remind everyone of how the Pilgrims faced true hardships, how many lost their lives seeking religious freedom and protection from persecution, yet still kept their eyes on the Lord.

I close Part 1 of this series of articles with a portion of Dr. Billy Graham's response to a question submitted on a related subject. " **Even if you're going through hard times, thank God for His presence with you. Most of all, thank Him for Jesus Christ, who gave His life so you could have the greatest gift of all — the gift of eternal life. Have you accepted that gift? If not, make this a day of true thanksgiving by** opening your heart and life to Christ **.** "

In Part 2 of this series I will briefly examine the history of Thanksgiving in the USA from the time of the Pilgrims to the presidency of George Washington.

Related Links and Articles:

  * Jewish Holiday Primer 101

# Chapter 2 - Beyond the Pilgrims to Washington

Background:

This is the second in a series of four articles on the history of Thanksgiving Day in the USA. In Part 1 of this series of articles (The Pilgrims), I covered the background of how a day of Thanksgiving took root with the Pilgrims in the Plymouth colony in 1621. In this second article, I will highlight the period of time beyond the Pilgrims through the early years of the birth of the United States.

Following the Pilgrims' religiously based Thanksgiving celebration, God worked through many other early colonists in North America such as governors, clergy, military leaders, the Continental Congress, and ultimately President George Washington to observe a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God for His mercy, providential care and manifold blessings.

First let's review and discuss some key scriptures that will open the eyes of our hearts so we can better understand what it means to give thanksgiving to God.

**Scripture:** (all NKJV unless otherwise noted)

Philippians 4:6 – _6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;_.

Psalm 107:8-9 – _8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness._

Psalm 105-1-5: – _1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! 3 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! 4 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! 5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth._

Psalm 69:30 – _30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving_.

Colossians 2:6-7 – _6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving._

Discussion:

As the new world settlers established their colonial homes and towns up and down the eastern North American continent, they also built churches. There they regularly and collectively worshiped God and confidently petitioned Him for His divine providence (compare Philippians 4:6). Their religious background influenced the establishment of their laws and daily conduct. The Bible served as their guide. Life was hard and simply surviving was often their most immediate objective. They supported and drew strength from God and each other.

While many of the colonists were not religious per se, most demonstrated a measure of Godliness. The devout openly practiced their faith in everyday life. It was natural for them to continuously give praise and thanksgiving to Almighty Jehovah God. They were indeed grateful to be in a place generally free from the often corrupt state mandated religions, persecution and intolerance so common in the European homelands they left behind. Amidst their difficult lives, they regularly practiced the Bible's teachings to "... _give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works..._ " (Psalms 107:8). Without many of the necessities of life they depended on God to _satisfy the longing of their souls and fill them with His goodness_ (compare Psalm 107:9). In their worship they sang hymns of thanksgiving and praise glorifying God remembering the " _marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth_ " in accordance with Psalm 105:1-5 and Psalm 69:30.

A map depicting various colonial territorial claims related to Massachusetts

History shows that the Massachusetts Bay Colony began their observance of a Thanksgiving Day in 1630 and continued frequently thereafter until 1680. The Connecticut Colony first celebrated Thanksgiving Day in 1637. Charlestown, located on the Charles River and much later (1874) would become a part of Boston, first celebrated their Thanksgiving Day in 1671 by decree of the town's governing council. Dozens of other settlements were founded in what is now Massachusetts including Boston (1630), Concord (1635), Framingham (1647), Dunstable (1656), Marlborough (1660) and Worcester (1673). The local church was usually one of the first structures to be built in the newly settled communities. Over time as these and other colonial settlements were established, many designated a day of Thanksgiving in honor of a military victory, the adoption of a constitution, or an exceptionally bountiful harvest.

The 1700′s ushered in significant exploration and territorial expansion by the English, French, Dutch and Spanish. Amidst this expansion "The French and Indian War" (referred to as "The Seven Years War" in Europe) took place (1754-1763) between England and France. The colonies fought on the side of England. The British eventually prevailed and took possession of most of the French territories in North America giving a great deal of pride to the colonists. George Washington served as a military leader in support of the British in this war, experiencing what would become famous victories and famous defeats. The war was expensive for England and they began to impose significant taxes on the colonies to help cover the war costs causing growing division with the colonists.

Second Continental Congress Voting for Independence

The "taxation without representation" concept imposed by Britain helped bring about the unification of the colonies and they founded the First Continental Congress in 1774. The Congress collectively aired their grievances to the British and sought a halt to the enforcement of the Intolerable Acts. The British paid no attention to the request leading to the establishment of a Second Continental Congress, the appointment of George Washington as the Commander of the Continental Army, the Declaration of Independence (1776), and a hard-fought American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

Surrender of General Burgoyne ending the American Revolution

The defeat and surrender of British General Burgoyne at Saratoga ended the American Revolutionary War. At the request of the second Continental Congress, Commander Washington proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving and celebration for all thirteen colonies to be observed in 1777. George Washington was later elected as the first President of the United States of America (1789-1797).

George Washington – First President of the United States  
Portrait by Gilbert Stuart

On October 3, 1789 President Washington issued the first proclamation for the USA to observe Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 26, 1789. The texts for both of Washington's proclamations are included below for your reference. As you read it, you can't help but note the multiple references to the providence of Almighty God, His mercy and His protection. The observance of a national Thanksgiving Day for the USA was now firmly in place as both a religious and a secular day with devotion and thankfulness to God at the center of the day's activities.

Reflection:

Digressing a bit, in approximately 63 AD Paul wrote a letter to the recently established church in Colossae, a small and insignificant market town. This church was established by Paul's fellow servants in ministry, Epaphras and perhaps Timothy (see Colossians 1:7-8). Colossae was located in the Roman province of Asia, an area now included in the country of Turkey and approximately 120 miles east of Ephesus. Paul advised that as followers of _Christ Jesus The Lord_ they should "... _walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith... abounding in it with thanksgiving_ (Colossians 2:6-7). I would like to think that these words from God through Paul were acted out by most of those early colony leaders and settlers based upon what I have learned of the times. I can certainly say Paul's advice is just as sound for us today as well.

Over the past few weeks in researching and praying over this article, God has blessed me with a new and expanded appreciation for the history of Thanksgiving Day. I hope that it will do the same for you. Please join me in this prayer:

Lord God, I thank You for your love and guidance on my life. I give you praise and thanksgiving for Your goodness and mercy. I pray for your continued leadership and that the mind of Christ will be in me as I continue to research and write this series of articles. Thank you Lord for saving my soul. Thank you Lord for making me whole. Thank you Lord for giving to me, thy great salvation so rich and free. In the mighty name of Jesus, The Christ. Amen and Amen!!

In Part 3 of this series of articles I will continue to examine the history of Thanksgiving in the USA from the time of the President George Washington through President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

Related Links and Articles:

  * What is the Origin of America's Annual Thanksgiving Day?

  *  Spark Notes on The American Revolution

  *  Timeline: From Founding Through the American Revolution

# Chapter 3 - Beyond Washington to Lincoln

Background:

This is the third in a series of four articles on the history of Thanksgiving Day in the USA and how it has changed from primarily a religious celebration to that of a long weekend of secular celebration. In my second article, I covered the background of how Thanksgiving Day became part of the fabric of the North American Colonies and then a part of the fledgling United States of America under the leadership of the first President, George Washington. In this third article, I will highlight the period of time from 1795 until 1863 and some of the major Thanksgiving Day related events and proclamations **Beyond George Washington to Abraham Lincoln.**

 Bill of Rights added to the U.S. Constitution

As the new nation began to develop an identity under its unique form of a republic based government and constitution, the role of the federal and state governments with respect to personal rights and religious freedom almost immediately came into question. James Madison introduced twelve legislative amendments to the Constitution at the Philadelphia Convention, ten of which were adopted by the states over the period of 1789 to 1791. These ten amendments are commonly known as the Bill of Rights. Among several protections for U.S. citizens, the First Amendment guarantees the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech. Abiding by the First Amendment would lead future Presidents to back away from proclaiming national days of Thanksgiving. I will discuss this further below.

In keeping with my normal practice, before I develop, discuss and reflect further on Part 3 of the series let's ground ourselves in some of scripture to help expand our understanding of what it means for the Christian to give thanks to God and to live in a state of Thanksgiving.

**Scripture:** (all ESV unless otherwise noted)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - 18 _give thanks in all circumstances_ _; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you._

Under Paul's leadership the Gospel came to Macedonia from Antioch to Philippi to Thessalonica (see Acts 15:36-17:15). The  Matthew Henry Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible provides a wonderful explanation for these words of Paul on thankfulness to the church at Thessalonica found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

"We should be thankful in every condition, even in adversity as well as prosperity. It is never so bad with us but it might be worse. If we have ever so much occasion to make our humble complaints to God, we never can have any reason to complain of God, and have always much reason to praise and give thanks: the apostle says, This is the _will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us, that we give thanks,_ seeing God is reconciled to us in Christ Jesus; in him, through him, and for his sake, he allows us to rejoice evermore, and appoints us in every thing to give thanks. It is pleasing to God."

Psalm 95:1-6 - _Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us_ _make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!_ __ 2 _Let us_ _come into His presence with thanksgiving_ _; let us_ _make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!_ 3 _For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods._ 4 _In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also._ 5 _The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land._ 6 _Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker._

As Creator of all that "is," Almighty God is to be the object of our worship and our praise. How can we be anything but thankful for what He has done for us? We should never " _come into His presence_ " with anything other than a spirit of complete thanksgiving. While we should live in a constant state of Thanksgiving, a special day or season of Thanksgiving can help place the focus squarely on God... not on ourselves. Our singing and praising should be especially joyful during our Thanksgiving celebrations.

2 Corinthians 2:14 – 14 _But_ _thanks be to God_ _, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere._ 15 _For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,_ 16 _to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?_

This scripture passage has been one of my favorites since I was a young adult. However, I'm not sure when I was younger that I really understood the full implication of this scripture. I often quoted verse 14 in particular with what I now know was a very shallow understanding. I had placed the emphasis on the " _triumph_ " as somewhat of a guarantee that Christ always provides us victory in everything we do. But within the context of the broader scripture I now see that Paul is saying he and his small group of missionaries were _giving thanks_ for not only good results as they spread the good news of the gospel, but they were also _giving thanks_ even when their message fell on deaf ears ultimately producing " _a fragrance from death to death._ " What is important is spreading the message that Jesus is the Messiah and that through Him, and only Him, can man escape the eternal consequences of his sin. Our job as Christians is to spread the message and be thankful to God for allowing us to do so. ALL of the triumphs are of and in Christ! Not one triumph is of man! An attitude of Thanksgiving demands that God gets the glory for everything.

Discussion:

Keeping the above scriptures in mind, let's return to some history of how Thanksgiving Day in the USA transitioned from a religious to primarily a secular celebration.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted on December 15, 1791. This amendment, which is part of The Bill of Rights, reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." George Washington issued a Thanksgiving day proclamation in 1789 and in spite of the First Amendment he did so again in 1795.

President John Adams

President Washington's successor was John Adams who served as President from 1798-1801. On March 23, 1798 Adams proclaimed "a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer" (noticeably not a day of thanksgiving) be observed on Wednesday, May 9, 1798. Adams recommended that the day was to "be observed throughout the United States..." You can read the full text of John Adams proclamation at this link. Adams made a number of significant references to God in his proclamation. I have listed those references in **bold** to make them easy to locate. One of the references in particular speaks to the devout belief of Adams that it is Almighty God alone who provides nations with protection and blessing:

"As the **safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and the blessing of Almighty God** , and **the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty** **which the people owe to Him,** but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety without which social happiness can not exist **nor the blessings of a free government be enjoyed** ;..."

President Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson succeeded John Adams as President serving from 1801-1809. Jefferson stood his ground throughout his presidency **against** proclaiming a day of Thanksgiving repeatedly citing the First Amendment as his reasoning. As one example of his stance, Jefferson wrote a letter to the Baptist Association of Danbury, Connecticut on January 1, 1802, relating that this amendment builds "... a wall of separation between Church & State." Notably, when Jefferson was the governor of the state of Virginia in 1776, he signed a proclamation prepared by the state legislature for a **day of "Thanksgiving and Prayer"** to be held on December 9, 1779. Jefferson did not author the document, nor did he have the authority to do so on his own, as that authority was a legislative responsibility at the time.

President James Madison

James Madison succeeded Thomas Jefferson as President serving from 1809-1817. James Madison was one of only two U.S. Presidents (along with Washington) who signed the U.S. Constitution. Madison also served as a U.S. Representative in the First Federal Congress (1789-1791). Madison did not follow the practice of Jefferson declaring a Thanksgiving Day in 1814 in response to resolutions of Congress at the close of the war of 1812 and two days of Thanksgiving in 1815. The full text of the 1814 and 1815 proclamations by President Madison is included at this link.

...

President James Monroe

James Monroe became the next President in 1817 following James Madison. For the next forty-four years (1817-1861) not one national Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed by a sitting president (view a list of the presidents at this link). However, over that period many of the states proclaimed their own Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Three early examples include: Governor William Plumer (1816) of New Hampshire; Governor John Brooks (1816) of Massachusetts; and DeWitt Clinton (1817-1822 & 1825-1828) of New York. By the year 1858, twenty-five of the existing thirty-two states and two of the eight territories issued proclamations appointing a Thanksgiving Day.

In spite of the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights, many citizens in the United States were denied basic rights at the state level. Slavery was active in many states, primarily those located in the south, supposedly protected under the banner of "states' rights." Major disagreement on states' rights and slavery issues, among others, led to the American Civil War fought from 1861-1865.

President Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln served as the eighteenth president of the United States from March 4, 1861 to April 15, 1865. During the midst of the bloody Civil War, President Lincoln revived a practice of the early national government and continued by the majority of the states by proclaiming a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens" to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26, 1863. The proclamation document was written by Secretary of State William Seward. It spoke freely of Almighty God saying in part:

"... **No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy**. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States... to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, **as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens**."

At the conclusion of the Civil War Congress dealt with some of the dividing issues that caused the war by passing the Reconstruction Amendments, one of which was the  Fourteenth Amendment officially adopted on July 9, 1868. The Fourteenth Amendment more clearly defined USA citizenship and provided for the extension of equal protection to **ALL** citizens. Equal protection was now the law of the land including the states. The "separation of church and state" protection required of the federal government through the First Amendment was now fully extended to the states as well.

Reflection:

The principle of "separation of church and state" implied by the USA Constitution at times can present great difficulty for members of Congress and the President. Their personal religious beliefs or lack thereof could potentially lead them to seek positions that may be in conflict with the freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment. Such issues as the posting of the Ten Commandments in public places, the banning of prayer in public schools and sporting events, the passage of a national healthcare program (PPACA, aka Obamacare) that requires religious entities to violate their basic beliefs and support insurance coverage for abortion, the prohibition of Nativity scenes on public property, and many more too numerous to mention.

For the Christian it is often hard to " _give thanks in all circumstances_ _; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)._ For example, _w_ hen governments and courts seemingly go against the _"will of God,"_ the immediate response is often that of anger or questioning. But one has to remember that our religious freedom is protected by our Constitution and we would not want that to change. So it is up to us as Christians, and not the government to ensure that days of Thanksgiving are observed in an appropriate manner. One way for us to do that is to **regularly** attend, invest our time, and financially support our local church... not just at Christmas and Easter. Another way is to make the focus on God the strength of our family by raising our children " _in the nurture and admonition of the Lord"_ (Ephesians 6:4, KJV).

Remember God has a plan for each of us, a plan for our family, a plan for our church, and a plan for our nation. Our prayer should be that more and more of our citizens and more and more of our governing officials will turn to Him for saving grace and daily guidance. We should also pray that our governing officials will seek to align our nation's plans with those of Almighty God. On a personal level, Jesus is "the rock of our salvation" and He deserves our thanksgiving and praise (Psalm 95:1-6). And just as Paul advised... no matter the circumstances... Christians, as God's " _fragrance from life to life,_ " are to give thanks to God " _who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere._ "

As our country continues its slide deeper and deeper into abject paganism it becomes increasingly important that Christians continue to openly give thanks to God... especially during the official "Thanksgiving" season we celebrate each year in late November. God has indeed blessed our nation over our relatively brief history. In spite of all of our flaws, the USA continues as a nation where religious freedom is guaranteed. and where "In God We Trust" still appears on our currency.

The First Amendment provides an extremely important set of protections for the citizens of the United States. However, the original framers of the constitution left the definition of "citizen" somewhat ambiguous leaving too much room for interpretation by the states and sadly allowing slavery and other forms of discrimination to continue for far too many years.

The full meaning of the First Amendment has been argued and re-argued ever since its original adoption. But one thing is for certain, without it the federal government could easily force a standard form of religion, or no religion at all, on the people of the USA. Thank God that was not, and is still not, the case in the USA! That is exactly what led many early settlers to leave their homelands in Europe for new homes in the Americas. They did not want to have to deal with any form of a theocratic government that interfered with their religious beliefs. They wanted freedom to worship as they pleased without worry of intervention from governmental leadership.

As a modern comparison consider today's world... there are numerous Islamic theocracies where the government basically outlaws all religions other than their preferred version of Islam. For example, in today's Pakistan (and other Islamic countries as well) it is against the law for a Muslim to convert to Christianity. Pakistan's Blasphemy laws (see my article "On Pakistan's Blasphemy Laws") call for severe punishment including death to anyone who "blasphemes" (the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God) the Koran or Mohammed, its author. Would you want to live in such a country? I wouldn't!

Abraham Lincoln's memory book, _The Lincoln Memorial Album—Immortelles_ , contains an entry by Reverend John H. Barrows, D.D., claiming that President Abraham Lincoln became a Christian in 1863. Courtesy of Wikipedia here is that entry:

"In the anxious uncertainties of the great war, he gradually rose to the heights where Jehovah became to him the sublimest of realities, the ruler of nations....When darkness gathered over the brave armies fighting for the nation's life, this strong man in the early morning knelt and wrestled in prayer with Him who holds the fate of empires. When the clouds lifted above the carnage of Gettysburg, he gave his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ."

I wonder??? What effect did Lincoln's supposed salvation experience there at Gettysburg in 1863 have on his willingness to officially sign a proclamation for a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens" to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26, 1863? That had not been done by a President since 1815! I wonder???

Part 4 of this series of articles will cover the period of time beyond the presidency of Abraham Lincoln to the current day under the presidency of Barack Hussein Obama.

Related Links and Articles:

  * What is the origin of America's annual Thanksgiving Day?

  * Spark Notes on The American Revolution

  * Wikipedia on Thanksgiving

  * Timeline: From Founding Through the American Revolution

  * Thomas Jefferson's Religious Beliefs

  * Religious affiliation of all US Presidents

  * Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer

  * Congress Establishes Thanksgiving

  * John Adams Religious Views

  * Religious affiliation of Abraham Lincoln

  * Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamations

  * Answers.com on Thanksgiving

# Chapter 4 - Beyond Lincoln to Obama

Background:

This is the fourth in a series of four articles on the history of Thanksgiving Day in the USA and how it has changed from primarily a religious celebration to that of a long weekend of secular celebration. In my third article, I covered the background of how the Thanksgiving Day moved from a national day of celebration proclaimed by the President to a lengthy period where the states took the lead due to the first amendment which guarantees the separation of church and state. Then finally a nationwide Thanksgiving Day was restored during the midst of the Civil War by President Abraham Lincoln. In this fourth article, I will highlight the period of time and some of the major Thanksgiving Day proclamations and related events by presidents **Beyond Abraham Lincoln to Barack Hussein Obama.**

First let's turn to the scriptures for some inspiration on the subject and to provide insight into God's perspective on giving thanks to Him for His divine providence to mankind.

**Scripture:** (all ESV unless otherwise noted)

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 – 10 _He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness._ 11 _You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God._

Colossians 3:17 – 17 _And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him._

1 Timothy 4:4-5 – 4 _For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,_ 5 _for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer._

Psalm 100 (KJV) – 1 _Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!_ 2 _Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!_ 3 _Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture._ 4 _Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!_ 5 _For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations._

Scripture Discussion – God has abundantly provided for ALL of our needs. He has done this through His grace... "a grace that exceeds ALL of our sin and our guilt." It is a "marvelous, infinite, matchless" grace as the hymn _Grace Greater Than Our Sin_ with words by Julia H. Johnston published in 1911 so aptly puts it. God has fulfilled ALL of the laws demands on our behalf by giving the grace gift of salvation through His son Jesus, the Messiah. God's grace giving is our guide for giving back to God and to others. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 teaches that God is the supplier of the seed for the sower and the bread for our food. It is God who increases our harvest and enriches us " _in every way_ " so that we can in return be generous " _in every way_." It is God's grace gift of salvation that in turn " _will produce thanksgiving to God_."

In Colossians 3:17 Paul teaches the church at Colossae that they (and we) are not free to make up our own rules regarding personal and professional relationships, how we worship at home and at church, how we perform our work, etc. After **putting on** mercy, kindness, humility, forgiveness and love (Colossians 3:1-16) Paul admonishes that we " _do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,_ _giving thanks_ _to God the Father through Him._ " Without thanksgiving we are just going through the motions.

Paul warns the early church in 1Timothy 4:4-5 of the apostasy of some of their religious practices that had already entered their doctrine or could enter it in the future. A specific example was given by Paul in that since ALL meat was provided by God and " _everything_ _created by God is good,"_ it can be eaten without concern given that it is received with the proper Attitude of Thankfulness. This was quite a departure from what most Jews had been taught and practiced. Not ALL meat was clean for the Jews in accordance with Old Testament scriptures. In addition, Gnosticism had also become pervasive in the church and Paul warned that such doctrinal error should not be practiced.

Before proceeding further, return to the scriptures above and re-read Psalm 100:1-5. Charles Spurgeon has a wonderful exposition on Psalm 100:4 reproduced below:

" _Enter into his gates with thanksgiving_. To the occurrence of the word thanksgiving in this place the Psalm probably owes its title. In all our public service the rendering of thanks must abound; it is like the incense of the temple, which filled the whole house with smoke. Expiatory sacrifices are ended, but those of gratitude will never be out of date. So long as we are receivers of mercy we must be givers of thanks. Mercy permits us to enter his gates; let us praise that mercy. What better subject for our thoughts in God's own house than the Lord of the house.

_And into his courts with praise._ Into whatever court of the Lord you may enter, let your admission be the subject of praise: thanks be to God, the innermost court is now open to believers, and we enter into that which is within the veil; it is incumbent upon us that we acknowledge the high privilege by our songs.

_Be thankful unto him._ Let the praise be in your heart as well as on your tongue, and let it all be for him to whom it all belongs.

_And bless his name._ He blessed you, bless him in return; bless his name, his character, his person. Whatever he does, be sure that you bless him for it; bless him when he takes away as well as when he gives; bless him as long as you live, under all circumstances; bless him in all his attributes, from whatever point of view you consider him."

What better way to honor God and display our thankfulness to God than to observe a season of Thanksgiving in our homes, our churches, and our nation?

Discussion:

The American Civil War ended with the surrender by Robert E. Lee on April 9, 1865. Five days later President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth and Vice President Andrew Johnson from Tennessee became the seventeenth president. Johnson led the country during the very tough reconstruction era and was at odds with both political parties during his time in office. He was actually impeached by the House of Representatives in 1867 but the Senate did not go along with the impeachment and Johnson served out the remainder of his term through 1869 when he was succeeded by Ulysses S. Grant. According to Wikipedia, "one of Johnson's last significant acts as President was to grant unconditional amnesty to ALL Confederates on Christmas Day 1868." But the country was still severely divided.

Battle of Gettysburg

More than 620,000 soldiers perished in the Civil War, more than in any U.S. conflict before and since that terrible conflict. The economy of the South was left in shambles and deep animosity continued between the southern and northern states for many years afterward.

President Andrew Johnson

The time was ripe for a re-uniting of the people of the republic and a national day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed by President Andrew Johnson on October 28, 1865 to be observed the first Thursday in December. In Johnson's brief proclamation he specifically referred to God as "Almighty God," "Heavenly Father," and "Creator." Each of the successive Presidents beyond Andrew Johnson through Herbert Hoover (1929-1933) continued to issue a Thanksgiving Day proclamation and each president specifically referred to "God" somewhere in the text of the proclamation. You can read representative examples of these at this link. During this period of U.S. history, the last Thursday of November became the established day for observance of Thanksgiving.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt became president in 1933 and served until his death in 1945. Roosevelt took office amidst the Great Depression which had begun with the crash of the U.S. stock market on October 29, 1929 and quickly spread worldwide. People from both cities and rural environments in affluent and poor countries all over the globe suffered immensely. Incomes fell dramatically, unemployment in the U.S. reached 25% and as high as 33% in other countries, international trade plummeted. Some economies began to recover in the late 1930′s while others did not do so until after the end of World War II in 1945.

During each of Roosevelt's years in office he continued the practice of proclaiming a national Thanksgiving Day to be observed on the last Thursday in November. By 1939 the annual Christmas shopping season was a well-established and important annual event for merchandisers and the U.S. economy. It traditionally started the day after Thanksgiving. In 1939 the last Thursday of the month fell on November 30 and President Roosevelt was concerned that such a short shopping period would damage the economic recovery following the Great Depression. By proclamation Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the second to last Thursday of November. Only 32 of the 48 states followed Roosevelt's proclamation resulting in national confusion over when to observe Thanksgiving. Congress set a fixed-date in 1941 for the Federal Thanksgiving Day as the fourth Thursday in November... where it remains today.

In the midst of World War II, which the U.S. had entered in 1941 after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt's 1942 Thanksgiving Day proclamation was particularly religious in nature. He quoted Psalm 23 from The Holy Bible in its entirety.

Much later, President Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) quoted Psalm 105:1-3 in his 1988 proclamation. George Herbert Walker Bush (1989-1993) quoted Psalm 100 in his 1989 proclamation. To my knowledge, these three men are the only presidents to quote scripture directly in their Thanksgiving proclamations.

Richard Milhous Nixon made no mention of God in his proclamation in 1969 other than to refer to a "strength greater than ourselves." This is not that surprising to me as Nixon resigned the office of President on August 9, 1974 during his second term, the only President to ever do so in U.S. history, due to his complicit involvement in the cover-up of the Watergate scandal. Nixon's successor was his Vice President, Gerald Rudolph Ford (1974-1977). Almost immediately upon Ford taking office he pardoned Nixon. That proved to be his undoing when he ran for election in 1977 and lost. While in office, President Ford carefully worded his Thanksgiving proclamations as well making reference to "the Supreme Creator" and only mentioning God in citing the motto "In God We Trust" imprinted on U.S. coins.

George Walker Bush's (2001-2008) proclamation issued in 2008 contained several references to God in addition to the . One in particular recognized the source of ALL of the U.S. blessings. Bush recorded, "We recognize that all of these blessings, and life itself, **come not from the hand of man but from Almighty God**." President Bush also referred to God as the **Author of Life** and mentioned the name of God several other times.

Barack Hussein Obama (2009-Present) continued the tradition of issuing Thanksgiving Day proclamations. On November 20, 2012 after his reelection for another four-year term set to run from 2013-2017, President Obama made reference to God in the statement "... **grateful for the God-given bounty that enriches our lives** " and noted that at our democracy's first Thanksgiving George Washington " **prayed to our Creator for peace**."

**Reflection:**

In today's U.S. society most businesses give their employees Thanksgiving Day and the following day as holidays. Public schools close for the entire Thanksgiving week. Many families take vacation time that week... time for traveling, time for visiting family and friends, time for eating, time to attend football games, time to go to the movies, time to go to special events such as the lighting of the community Christmas Tree, and especially time for Black Friday shopping.

The Christmas Tree at Macy's, Lenox Square, Atlanta

Sadly, so many treat the Thanksgiving "holiday" as just that... a holiday, and not a holy day... a day filled with everything but thanksgiving to God. Many churches even cancel some of their regular services during the Thanksgiving season instead of providing additional opportunities to gather and give thanks to Almighty God for His bountiful blessings.

Looking back over this four-part series of articles I have to admit that I am somewhat surprised at what I have concluded about Thanksgiving in the process of researching my material. On the positive side, I believe that God has overseen the formation of this grand republic and has provided His providential care to us well beyond what we deserve. It is out of His goodness and His love for us that the U.S. has prospered as a nation... a nation that exceeds that of any other in history. On the negative side, I have concluded that so many of the citizens of the U.S. don't care about God's personal involvement neither in our nation nor in our individual lives. It is no wonder that over time the U.S. celebration has gradually transitioned from a religious celebration of thankfulness honoring Almighty God to a secular holiday filled with the self-seeking satisfaction of our personal pleasures.

Earlier today I received a brief communiqué from one of our Missionary friends serving in central Europe. His message was written specifically to his Christian supporters and prayer partners and encourages them to abound in thanksgiving. Below you will find the text of that message. I have removed his name and edited slightly to protect he and his family.

Dear Team:

As I read the following verses, a classic text on discipleship, it struck me that Paul considers a thankful heart to be a mark of maturity.

Colossians 2:6-7 – 6 _Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,_ 7 _rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving._

If we are established in our faith, Paul assumes that we will abound in Thanksgiving. May it be true of you and me TODAY!

Yes, Lord, may it be true for me and my loved ones TODAY! Not only in our specified times of Thanksgiving, Lord, but throughout the days of our lives.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for my lack of thankfulness. Thank you for your love and protection for my family and our country. Help me to live my life going forward abounding in an attitude and spirit of thanksgiving and to never forget from where ALL of my blessings flow. In the name of Jesus, Amen and Amen!

Related Links and Articles:

  * What is the origin of America's annual Thanksgiving Day?

  *  Spark Notes on The American Revolution

  * Wikipedia on Thanksgiving

  *  Timeline: From Founding Through the American Revolution

  * Religious affiliation of all US Presidents

  *  Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer

  * Congress Establishes Thanksgiving

  * John Adams Religious Views

  * Religious affiliation of Abraham Lincoln

  * Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamations

  * Consequences of Thanklessness

  * Answers.com on Thanksgiving

Related Articles by Jim Davenport:

  *  Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul

  *  Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul – Update

  *  Blessings in Disguise – a Thanksgiving Devotional

  *  An Anchor in the Time of the Storm

  *  An Attitude of Thankfulness

  * How to Become a Christian

  * A Summary of All of Jim Davenport's Articles

Related Southern Gospel Music by The Good News:

  *  Boundless Love

  * Into His Presence (with Thanksgiving)

  * Listen to the Good News

# Appendix A - Notes, Proclamations and Events

Below is a summary of people, key dates, proclamations and events related to Thanksgiving Day for the period 1630-2012. The primary source for the information in this table was compiled from various sources including primarily The American Presidency Project (© 1999-2013 \- Gerhard Peters - The American Presidency Project) and the online encyclopedia Wikipedia.

 Massachusetts Bay Colony

1630

Consisting primarily of Puritan Christians celebrated Thanksgiving for first time in 1630 and frequently thereafter until about 1680.

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Connecticut Colony

1639

Celebrated Thanksgiving first in 1639; annually after 1647.

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Charlestown, Massachusetts

1671

First recorded Thanksgiving observance June 29, 1671, by proclamation of the town's governing council.

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Second Continental Congress

1777

First national proclamation of Thanksgiving; draft created by Samuel Adams; adopted by the Continental Congress.

FOR AS MUCH as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of: And it having pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable Bounties of his common Providence; but also to smile upon us in the Prosecution of a just and necessary War, for the Defense and Establishment of our unalienable Rights and Liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a Measure, to prosper the Means used for the Support of our Troops, and to crown our Arms with most signal success:

It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these UNITED STATES to set apart THURSDAY, the eighteenth Day of December next, for SOLEMN THANKSGIVING and PRAISE: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please GOD through the Merits of JESUS CHRIST, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance; That it may please him graciously to afford his Blessing on the Governments of these States respectively, and prosper the public Council of the whole: To inspire our Commanders, both by Land and Sea, and all under them, with that Wisdom and Fortitude which may render them fit Instruments, under the Providence of Almighty GOD, to secure for these United States, the greatest of all human Blessings, INDEPENDENCE and PEACE: That it may please him, to prosper the Trade and Manufactures of the People, and the Labor of the Husbandman, that our Land may yield its Increase: To take Schools and Seminaries of Education, so necessary for cultivating the Principles of true Liberty, Virtue and Piety, under his nurturing Hand; and to prosper the Means of Religion, for the promotion and enlargement of that Kingdom, which consisteth "in Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost.

And it is further recommended, That servile Labor, and such Recreation, as, though at other Times innocent, may be unbecoming the Purpose of this Appointment, be omitted on so solemn an Occasion.

\---

George Washington

1777

Leader of the revolutionary forces in the American Revolutionary War; proclaimed a Thanksgiving in December 1777 as a victory celebration honoring the defeat of the British at Saratoga.

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House of Representatives

1789

First Amendment of the newly drafted Constitution recommended to states for ratification.

Elias Boudinot from New Jersey proposed that House and Senate recommend to President Washington that he proclaim a day of thanksgiving for "the many signal favors of Almighty God." Boudinot said that he "could not think of letting the session pass over without offering an opportunity to all the citizens of the United States of joining, with one voice, in returning to Almighty God their sincere thanks for the many blessings he had poured down upon them."

\---

George Washington

1789

On October 3, 1789 President George Washington made the following proclamation and created the first Thanksgiving Day designated by the national government of the USA:

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 the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal 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 by 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, or 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 signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled 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 national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a 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 the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease 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. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

George Washington

1795 Again proclaimed a Thanksgiving Day in the USA.

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President John Adams

1798-1801

1798 - Declared Thanksgiving Day

http://www.pilgrimhall.org/ThanxProc1789.htm

**A DAY OF FASTING & HUMILIATION (NOT THANKSGIVING!) 1798 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES – A PROCLAMATION**

As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and the blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety without which social happiness can not exist nor the blessings of a free government be enjoyed; and as this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty or of danger, when existing or threatening calamities, the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity, are a loud call to repentance and reformation; and as the United States of America are at present placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation by the unfriendly disposition, conduct, and demands of a foreign power, evinced by repeated refusals to receive our messengers of reconciliation and peace, by depredations on our commerce, and the infliction of injuries on very many of our fellow-citizens while engaged in their lawful business on the seas – under these considerations it has appeared to me that the duty of imploring the mercy and benediction of Heaven on our country demands at this time a special attention from its inhabitants.

I have therefore thought fit to recommend, and I do hereby recommend, that Wednesday, the 9th day of May next, be observed throughout the United States as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that the citizens of these States, abstaining on that day from their customary worldly occupations, offer their devout addresses to the Father of Mercies agreeably to those forms or methods which they have severally adopted as the most suitable and becoming; that all religious congregations do, with the deepest humility, acknowledge before God the manifold sins and transgressions with which we are justly chargeable as individuals and as a nation, beseeching Him at the same time, of His infinite grace, through the Redeemer of the World, freely to remit all our offenses, and to incline us by His Holy Spirit to that sincere repentance and reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his inestimable favor and heavenly benediction; that it be made the subject of particular and earnest supplication that our country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it; that our civil and religious privileges may be preserved inviolate and perpetuated to the latest generations; that our public councils and magistrates may be especially enlightened and directed at this critical period; that the American people may be united in those bonds of amity and mutual confidence and inspired with that vigor and fortitude by which they have in times past been so highly distinguished and by which they have obtained such invaluable advantages; that the health of the inhabitants of our land may be preserved, and their agriculture, commerce, fisheries, arts, and manufactures be blessed and prospered; that the principles of genuine piety and sound morality may influence the minds and govern the lives of every description of our citizens and that the blessings of peace, freedom, and pure religion may be speedily extended to all the nations of the earth.

And finally, I recommend that on the said day the duties of humiliation and prayer be accompanied by fervent thanksgiving to the Bestower of Every Good Gift, not only for His having hitherto protected and preserved the people of these United States in the independent enjoyment of their religious and civil freedom, but also for having prospered them in a wonderful progress of population, and for conferring on them many and great favors conducive to the happiness and prosperity of a nation.

Given under my hand the seal of the United States of America, at Philadelphia, this 23d day of March, A.D. 1798, and of the Independence of the said States the twenty-second.

By the President: **JOHN ADAMS.**

**\---**

President James Madison

1809 -1817

Madison renewed Thanksgiving Day in response to resolutions of Congress at the close of the War of 1812.

http://www.pilgrimhall.org/ThanxProc1789.htm

**THANKSGIVING DAY 1814 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – A PROCLAMATION**

The two Houses of the National Legislature having by a joint resolution expressed their desire that in the present time of public calamity and war a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States as a day of public humiliation and fasting and of prayer to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessing on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace, I have deemed it proper by this proclamation to recommend that Thursday, the 12th of January next, be set apart as a day on which all may have an opportunity of voluntarily offering at the same time in their respective religious assemblies their humble adoration to the Great Sovereign of the Universe, of confessing their sins and transgressions, and of strengthening their vows of repentance and amendment. They will be invited by the same solemn occasion to call to mind the distinguished favors conferred on the American people in the general health which has been enjoyed, in the abundant fruits of the season, in the progress of the arts instrumental to their comfort, their prosperity, and their security, and in the victories which have so powerfully contributed to the defense and protection of our country, a devout thankfulness for all which ought to be mingled with their supplications to the Beneficent Parent of the Human Race that He would be graciously pleased to pardon all their offenses against Him; to support and animate them in the discharge of their respective duties; to continue to them the precious advantages flowing from political institutions so auspicious to their safety against dangers from abroad, to their tranquility at home, and to their liberties, civil and religious; and that He would in a special manner preside over the nation in its public councils and constituted authorities, giving wisdom to its measures and success to its arms in maintaining its rights and in overcoming all hostile designs and attempts against it; and, finally, that by inspiring the enemy with dispositions favorable to a just and reasonable peace its blessings may be speedily and happily restores.

Given at the city of Washington, the 16th day of November, 1814, and of the Independence of the United States the thirty-eighth.

**JAMES MADISON**

Madison declared a Thanksgiving Day twice in 1815.

http://www.pilgrimhall.org/ThanxProc1789.htm

**THANKSGIVING DAY 1815 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – A PROCLAMATION**

The senate and House of Representatives of the United States have by a joint resolution signified their desire that a day may be recommended to be observed by the people of the United States with religious solemnity as a day of thanksgiving and of devout acknowledgments to Almighty God for His great goodness manifested in restoring to them the blessing of peace.

No people ought to feel greater obligations to celebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of Events of the Destiny of Nations than the people of the United States. His kind providence originally conducted them to one of the best portions of the dwelling place allotted for the great family of the human race. He protected and cherished them under all the difficulties and trials to which they were exposed in their early days. Under His fostering care their habits, their sentiments, and their pursuits prepared them for a transition in due time to a state of independence and self-government. In the arduous struggle by which it was attained they were distinguished by multiplied tokens of His benign interposition. During the interval which succeeded He reared them into the strength and endowed them with the resources which have enabled them to assert their national rights, and to enhance their national character in another arduous conflict, which is now so happily terminated by a peace and reconciliation with those who have been our enemies. And to the same Divine Author of Every Good and Perfect Gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.

It is for blessings such as these, and more especially for the restoration of the blessing of peace, that I now recommend that the second Thursday in April next be set apart as a day on which the people of every religious denomination may in their solemn assembles unite their hearts and their voices in a freewill offering to their Heavenly Benefactor of their homage of thanksgiving and of their songs of praise.

Given at the city of Washington on the 4th day of March, A.D. 1815, and of the Independence of the United States the thirty-ninth.

**JAMES MADISON**

1816-1861

After James Madison left office, there were no national Presidential Thanksgiving Day proclamations again until President Abraham Lincoln did so in 1863 in the midst of the Civil War. However, the majority of the states continued to regularly observe days of Thanksgiving Day by state decree. Several examples of this are provided below.

http://www.pilgrimhall.org/ThanxProc.htm

4. James Madison 1809-1817

5. James Monroe 1817-1825

6. John Quincy Adams 1825-1829

7. Andrew Jackson 1829-1837

8. Martin Van Buren 1837-1841

9. William Henry Harrison 1841

10. John Tyler 1841-1845

11. James Knox Polk 1845-1849

12. Zachary Taylor 1849-1850

13. Millard Fillmore 1850-1853

14. Franklin Pierce 1853-1857

15. James Buchanan 1857-1861

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Governor William Plumer

New Hampshire

1816

Governor William Plumer of New Hampshire is an example of this as he appointed a day of Public Thanksgiving for Thursday, November 14, 1816.

Plumer was a lawyer, a Federalist, a Baptist preacher and author of many religious works.

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Governor John Brooks Massachusetts

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1816

Appointed Thursday, November 28 to be  "observed throughout that State as a day of Thanksgiving." "Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By His Excellency John Brooks ... a proclamation, for a day of public thanksgiving and praise. : ... Thursday, the third day of December next ... Given at the Council chamber, in Boston, this thirteenth day of October ... one thousand eight hundred and eighteen ..."

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Governor Witt Clinton

New York

1817-1822

1825-1828

Clinton was largely responsible for the construction of the Erie Canal.

Annually appointed a Thanksgiving Day in both of his terms as Governor of New York.

 http://www.hallofgovernors.ny.gov/themes/bartik/images/exhibits/hog/_MG_7467.jpg

Official State of New York Proclamation for Thanksgiving Day

States and Territories

1858

By the year 1858, twenty-five (25) of the existing thirty-two (32) states and two (2) of the eight (8) territories issued proclamations appointing a day of Thanksgiving.

Read more:

 http://www.answers.com/topic/thanksgiving-day#ixzz2D6Mf3Nhs

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President Abraham Lincoln

1863

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens," to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.

The document, written by Secretary of State William Seward, reads as follows:

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth." Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863.

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1865-1938

Foreword: All of Abraham Lincoln's successors as president followed his example of annually declaring the final Thursday in November to be Thanksgiving. Listed below are selected proclamations offered by each of the listed Presidents. If you carefully read each of the proclamations (which I don't expect many of you to do), you will note the gradual decrease in the mentioning of thankfulness to Almighty God. A few Presidents avoided saying much of anything about God. I invite you to enjoy the progression as our country moved from celebrating Thanksgiving from a religious standpoint to that of a secular holiday. Each President was careful to keep the separation of church and state in mind as they recommended that citizens celebrate through their churches of choice and with their families.

17. Andrew Johnson 1865-1869

18. Ulysses Simpson Grant 1869-1877

19. Rutherford Birchard Hayes 1877-1881

20. James Abram Garfield 1881

21. Chester Alan Arthur 1881-1885

22. Grover Cleveland 1885-1889

23. Benjamin Harrison 1889-1893

24. Grover Cleveland 1893-1897

25. William McKinley 1897-1901

26. Theodore Roosevelt 1901-1909

27. William Howard Taft 1909-1913

28. Woodrow Wilson 1913-1921

29. Warren Gamaliel Harding 1921-1923

30. Calvin Coolidge 1923-1929

31. Herbert Clark Hoover 1929-1933

Source:  Wikipedia – List of Presidents

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Andrew Johnson

1865-1869

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72035

1865

Andrew Johnson

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God during the year which is now coming to an end to relieve our beloved country from the fearful scourge of civil war and to permit us to secure the blessings of peace, unity, and harmony, with a great enlargement of civil liberty; and

Whereas our Heavenly Father has also during the year graciously averted from us the calamities of foreign war, pestilence, and famine, while our granaries are full of the fruits of an abundant season; and

Whereas righteousness exalteth a nation, while sin is a reproach to any people:

Now, therefore, be it known that I, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, do hereby recommend to the people thereof that they do set apart and observe the first Thursday of December next as a day of national thanksgiving to the Creator of the Universe for these great deliverances and blessings.

And I do further recommend that on that occasion the whole people make confession of our national sins against His infinite goodness, and with one heart and one mind implore the divine guidance in the ways of national virtue and holiness.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 28th day of October, A.D. 1865, and of the Independence of the United States of America the ninetieth.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

By the President:

WILLIAM H SEWARD,

Secretary of State.

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Ulysses S. Grant

1869-1877

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=70330

1872

Ulysses S. Grant

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

Whereas the revolution of another year has again brought the time when it is usual to look back upon the past and publicly to thank the Almighty for His mercies and His blessings; and

Whereas if any one people has more occasion than another for such thankfulness it is the citizens of the United States, whose Government is their creature, subject to their behests; who have reserved to themselves ample civil and religious freedom and equality before the law; who during the last twelvemonth have enjoyed exemption from any grievous or general calamity, and to whom prosperity in agriculture, manufactures, and commerce has been vouchsafed:

Now, therefore, by these considerations, I recommend that on Thursday, the 28th day of November next, the people meet in their respective places of worship and there make their acknowledgments to God for His kindness and bounty.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 11th day of October, A. D. 1872, and of the Independence of the United States the ninety-seventh.

U. S. GRANT.

By the President:

HAMILTON FISH, Secretary of State

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Rutherford B. Hayes

1877-1881

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=68590

1877

Rutherford B. Hayes

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

The completed circle of summer and winter, seedtime and harvest, has brought us to the accustomed season at which a religious people celebrates with praise and thanksgiving the enduring mercy of Almighty God. This devout and public confession of the constant dependence of man upon the divine favor for all the good gifts of life and health and peace and happiness, so early in our history made the habit of our people, finds in the survey of the past year new grounds for its joyful and grateful manifestation.

In all the blessings which depend upon benignant seasons, this has indeed been a memorable year. Over the wide territory of our country, with all its diversity of soil and climate and products, the earth has yielded a bountiful return to the labor of the husbandman. The health of the people has been blighted by no prevalent or widespread diseases. No great disasters of shipwreck upon our coasts or to our commerce on the seas have brought loss and hardship to merchants or mariners and clouded the happiness of the community with sympathetic sorrow.

In all that concerns our strength and peace and greatness as a nation; in all that touches the permanence and security of our Government and the beneficent institutions on which it rests; in all that affects the character and dispositions of our people and tests our capacity to enjoy and uphold the equal and free condition of society, now permanent and universal throughout the land, the experience of the last year is conspicuously marked by the protecting providence of God and is full of promise and hope for the coming generations.

Under a sense of these infinite obligations to the Great Ruler of Times and Seasons and Events, let us humbly ascribe it to our own faults and frailties if in any degree that perfect concord and happiness, peace and justice, which such great mercies should diffuse through the hearts and lives of our people do not altogether and always and everywhere prevail. Let us with one spirit and with one voice lift up praise and thanksgiving to God for His manifold goodness to our land, His manifest care for our nation.

Now, therefore, I, Rutherford B. Hayes, President of the United States, do appoint Thursday, the 29th day of November next, as a day of national thanksgiving and prayer; and I earnestly recommend that, withdrawing themselves from secular cares and labors, the people of the United States do meet together on that day in their respective places of worship, there to give thanks and praise to Almighty God for His mercies and to devoutly beseech their continuance.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 29th day of October, A.D. 1877, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and second.

R. B. HAYES

By the President:

WM. M. EVARTS,

Secretary of State.

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Chester A. Arthur

1881-1885

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=69114

1881

Chester A. Arthur

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

It has long been the pious custom of our people, with the closing of the year, to look back upon the blessings brought to them in the changing course of the seasons and to return solemn thanks to the allgiving source from whom they flow. And although at this period, when the failing leaf admonishes us that the time of our sacred duty is at hand, our nation still lies in the shadow of a great bereavement, and the mourning which has filled our hearts still finds its sorrowful expression toward the God before whom we but lately bowed in grief and supplication, yet the countless benefits which have showered upon us during the past twelvemonth call for our fervent gratitude and make it fitting that we should rejoice with thankfulness that the Lord in His infinite mercy has most signally favored our country and our people. Peace without and prosperity within have been vouchsafed to us, no pestilence has visited our shores, the abundant privileges of freedom which our fathers left us in their wisdom are still our increasing heritage; and if in parts of our vast domain sore affliction has visited our brethren in their forest homes, yet even this calamity has been tempered and in a manner sanctified by the generous compassion for the sufferers which has been called forth throughout our land. For all these things it is meet that the voice of the nation should go up to God in devout homage.

Wherefore I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United States, do recommend that all the people observe Thursday, the 24th day of November instant, as a day of national thanksgiving and prayer, by ceasing, so far as may be, from their secular labors and meeting in their several places of worship, there to join in ascribing honor and praise to Almighty God, whose goodness has been so manifest in our history and in our lives, and offering earnest prayers that His bounties may continue to us and to our children.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 4th day of November, A.D. 1881, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and sixth.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR

By the President:

JAMES G. BLAINE,

Secretary of State.

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Benjamin Harrison

1889-1893

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=71208&st=Thanksgiving&st1

1889

Benjamin Harrison

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

A highly favored people, mindful of their dependence on the bounty of Divine Providence, should seek fitting occasion to testify gratitude and ascribe praise to Him who is the author of their many blessings. It behooves us, then, to look back with thankful hearts over the past year and bless God for His infinite mercy in vouchsafing to our land enduring peace, to our people freedom from pestilence and famine, to our husbandmen abundant harvests, and to them that labor a recompense of their toil.

Now, therefore, I, Benjamin Harrison, President of the United States of America, do earnestly recommend that Thursday, the 28th day of this present month of November, be set apart as a day of national thanksgiving and prayer, and that the people of our country, ceasing from the cares and labors of their working day, shall assemble in their respective places of worship and give thanks to God, who has prospered us on our way and made our paths the paths of peace, beseeching Him to bless the day to our present and future good, making it truly one of thanksgiving for each reunited home circle as for the nation at large.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 1st day of November, A. D. 1889, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and fourteenth.

BENJ. HARRISON

By the President:

JAMES G. BLAINE,  
Secretary of State.

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Grover Cleveland

1885-1889, 1893-1897

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=70794

1896

Grover Cleveland

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

The people of the United States should never be unmindful of the gratitude they owe the God of Nations for His watchful care, which has shielded them from dire disaster and pointed out to them the way of peace and happiness. Nor should they ever refuse to acknowledge with contrite hearts their proneness to turn away from God's teachings and to follow with sinful pride after their own devices.

To the end that these thoughts may be quickened it is fitting that on a day especially appointed we should join together in approaching the Throne of Grace with praise and supplication.

Therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, president of the United States, do hereby designate and set apart Thursday, the 26th day of the present month of November, to be kept and observed as a day of thanksgiving and prayer throughout our land.

On that day let all our people forego their usual work and occupation, and, assembled in their accustomed places of worship, let them with one accord render thanks to the Ruler of the Universe for our preservation as a nation and our deliverance from every threatened danger, for the peace that has dwelt within our boundaries, for our defense against disease and pestilence during the year that has passed, for the plenteous rewards that have followed the labors of our husbandmen, and for all the other blessings that have been vouch safer to us.

And let us, through the mediation of Him who has taught us how to pray, implore the forgiveness of our sins and a continuation of heavenly favor.

Let us not forget on this day of thanksgiving the poor and needy, and by deeds of charity let our offerings of praise be made more acceptable in the sight of the Lord.

Witness my hand and the seal of the United States, which I have caused to be hereto affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 4th day of November, A. D. 1896, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and twenty-first.

GROVER CLEVELAND.

By the President:

RICHARD OLNEY,

Secretary of State.

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William McKinley

1897-1901

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=69264&st=Thanksgiving&st1

1899

William McKinley

By the President of the United States of America **

Thanksgiving Proclamation

A national custom dear to the hearts of the people calls for the setting apart of one day in each year as an occasion of special thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings of the preceding year. This honored observance acquires with time a tenderer significance. It enriches domestic life. It summons under the family roof the absent children to glad reunion with those they love.

Seldom has this nation had greater cause for profound thanksgiving. No great pestilence has invaded our Shores. Liberal employment waits upon labor. Abundant crops have rewarded the efforts of the husbandmen. Increased comforts have come to the home. The national finances have been strengthened, and public credit has been sustained and made firmer. In all branches of industry and trade there has been an unequaled degree of prosperity, while there has been a steady gain in the moral and educational growth of our national character. Churches and schools have flourished. American patriotism has been exalted. Those engaged in maintaining the honor of the flag with such signal success have been in a large degree spared from disaster and disease. An honorable peace has been ratified with a foreign nation with which we were at war, and we are now on friendly relations with every power of earth.

The trust which we have assumed for the benefit of the people of Cuba has been faithfully advanced. There is marked progress toward the restoration of healthy industrial conditions, and under wise sanitary regulations the island has enjoyed unusual exemption from the scourge of fever. The hurricane which swept over our new possession of Puerto Rico, destroying the homes and property of the inhabitants, called forth the instant sympathy of the people of the United States, who were swift to respond with generous aid to the sufferers. While the insurrection still continues in the island of Luzon, business is resuming its activity, and confidence in the good purposes of the United States is being rapidly established throughout the archipelago.

For these reasons and countless others, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, do hereby name Thursday, the thirtieth day of November next, as a day of general thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed as such by all our people on this continent and in our newly acquired islands, as well as those who may be at sea or sojourning in foreign lands; and I advise that on this day religious exercises shall be conducted in the churches or meeting-places of all denominations, in order that in the social features of the day its real significance may not be lost sight of, but fervent prayers may be offered to the Most High for a continuance of the Divine Guidance without which man's efforts are vain, and for Divine consolation to those whose kindred and friends have sacrificed their lives for country.

I recommend also that on this day so far as may be found practicable labor shall cease from its accustomed toil and charity abound toward the sick, the needy and the poor.

In witness whereof I have set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this 25th day of October, A. D. 1899 and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-fourth.

WILLIAM McKinley.

By the President:

JOHN HAY,

Secretary of State.

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Theodore Roosevelt

1901-1909

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=69381

1901

Theodore Roosevelt

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

The season is nigh when, according to the time-hallowed custom of our people, the President appoints a day as the especial occasion for praise and thanksgiving to God.

This Thanksgiving finds the people still bowed with sorrow for the death of a great and good President. We mourn President McKinley because we so loved and honored him; and the manner of his death should awaken in the breasts of our people a keen anxiety for the country, and at the same time a resolute purpose not to be driven by any calamity from the path of strong, orderly, popular liberty which as a nation we have thus far safely trod.

Yet in spite of this great disaster, it is nevertheless true that no people on earth have such abundant cause for thanksgiving as we have. The past year in particular has been one of peace and plenty. We have prospered in things material and have been able to work for our own uplifting in things intellectual and spiritual. Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us; and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips and shows itself in deeds. We can best prove our thankfulness to the Almighty by the way in which on this earth and at this time each of us does his duty to his fellow men.

Now, Therefore, I, Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States, do hereby designate as a day of general thanksgiving Thursday, the 28th of this present November, and do recommend that throughout the land the people cease from their wonted occupations, and at their several homes and places of worship reverently thank the Giver of all good for the countless blessings of our national life.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this second day of November, A. D. 1901, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-sixth.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

By the President:

JOHN HAY,

Secretary of State.

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William Howard Taft

1909-1913

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72437

1911

William Howard Taft

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

The people of this land having by long sanction and practice set apart toward the close of each passing year a day on which to cease from their labors and assemble for the purpose of giving praise to Him who is the author of the blessings they have enjoyed, it is my duty as Chief Executive to designate at this time the day for the fulfillment of this devout purpose.

Our country has been signally favored in many ways. The round of the seasons has brought rich harvests. Our industries have thrived far beyond our domestic needs; the productions of our labor are daily finding enlarged markets abroad. We have been free from the curses of pestilence, of famine and of war. Our national councils have furthered the cause of peace in other lands, and the spirit of benevolence has brought us into closer touch with other peoples, to the strengthening of the bonds of fellowship and good will that link us to our comrades in the universal brotherhood of nations. Strong in the sense of our own rights and inspired by as strong a sense of the rights of others, we live in peace and harmony with the world. Rich in the priceless possessions and abundant resources wherewith the unstinted bounty of God has endowed us, we are unselfishly glad when other peoples pass onward to prosperity and peace. That the great privileges we enjoy may continue and that each coming year may see our country more firmly established in the regard and esteem of our fellow nations is the prayer that should arise in every thankful heart.

Wherefore I, William Howard Taft, President of the United States, designate Thursday, the 30th day of November next, as a day of thanksgiving and prayer, and I earnestly call upon my countrymen and upon all that dwell under the flag of our beloved country then to meet in their accustomed places of worship to join in offering prayer to Almighty God and devout thanks for the loving mercies He has given to us.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Chicago, this 30th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and eleven and of the independence of the United States the one hundred and thirty-sixth.

WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT

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Woodrow Wilson

1913-1921

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72439

1913

Woodrow Wilson

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

The season is at hand in which it has been our long respected custom as a people to turn in praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God for his manifold mercies and blessings to us as a nation. The year that has just passed has been marked in a peculiar degree by manifestations of His gracious and beneficent providence. We have not only had peace throughout our own borders and with the nations of the world but that peace has been brightened by constantly multiplying evidences of genuine friendship, of mutual sympathy and understanding, and of the happy operation of many elevating influences both of ideal and of practice. The nation has not only been prosperous but has proved its capacity to take calm counsel amidst the rapid movement of affairs and deal with its own life in a spirit of candor, righteousness and comity. We have seen the practical completion of a great work at the Isthmus of Panama which not only exemplifies the nation's abundant resources to accomplish what it will and the distinguished skill and capacity of its public servants but also promises the beginning of a new age, of new contacts, new neighborhoods, new sympathies, new bonds, and new achievements of cooperation and peace. "Righteousness exalteth a nation" and "peace upon earth, good will towards men" furnish the only foundations upon which can be built the lasting achievements of the human spirit. The year has brought us the satisfactions of work well done and fresh visions of our duty which will make the work of the future better still.

Now, Therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Thursday the twenty-seventh of November next as a day of thanksgiving and prayer, and invite the people throughout the land to cease from their wonted occupations and in their several homes and places of worship render thanks to almighty God.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and thirteen and of the independence of the United States the one hundred and thirty-eighth.

WOODROW WILSON

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Warren Gamaliel Harding

1921-1923

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72448&st=Thanksgiving&st1=

1922

Warren Gamaliel Harding

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

In the beginnings of our country the custom was established by the devout fathers of observing annually a day of Thanksgiving for the bounties and protection which Divine Providence had extended throughout the year. It has come to be perhaps the most characteristic of our national observances, and as the season approaches for its annual recurrence, it is fitting formally to direct attention to this ancient institution of our people and to call upon them again to unite in its appropriate celebration.

The year which now approaches its end has been marked, in the experience of our nation, by a complexity of trials and of triumphs, of difficulties and of achievements, which we must regard as our inevitable portion in such an epoch as that through which all mankind is moving. As we survey the experience of the passing twelve-month we shall find that our estate presents very much to justify a nationwide and most sincere testimony of gratitude for the bounty which has been bestowed upon us. Though we have lived in the shadow of the hard consequences of great conflict, our country has been at peace and has been able to contribute toward the maintenance and perpetuation of peace in the world. We have seen the race of mankind make gratifying progress on the way to permanent peace, toward order and restored confidence in its high destiny. For the Divine guidance which has enabled us, in growing fraternity with other peoples, to attain so much of progress; for the bounteous yield which has come to us from the resources of our soil and our industry, we owe our tribute of gratitude, and with it our acknowledgment of the duty and obligation to our own people and to the unfortunate, the suffering, the distracted of other lands. Let us in all humility acknowledge how great is our debt to the Providence which has generously dealt with us, and give devout assurance of unselfish purpose to play a helpful and ennobling part in human advancement. It is much to be desired that in rendering homage for the blessings which have come to us, we should earnestly testify our continued and increasing aim to make our own great fortune a means of helping and serving, as best we can, the cause of all humanity.

Now, Therefore, I, Warren G. Harding, President of the United States of America, do designate Thursday, the thirtieth day of November, as a day of Thanksgiving, supplication and devotion. I recommend that the people gather at their family altars and in their houses of worship to render thanks to God for the bounties they have enjoyed and to petition that these may be continued in the year before us.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington this second day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and forty-seventh.

WARREN G. HARDING

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Calvin Coolidge

1923-1929

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72456&st=Thanksgiving&st1=

1923

Calvin Coolidge

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

The American people, from their earliest days, have observed the wise custom of acknowledging each year the bounty with which divine Providence has favored them. In the beginnings, this acknowledgment was a voluntary return of thanks by the community for the fruitfulness of the harvest. Though our mode of life has greatly changed, this custom has always survived. It has made thanksgiving day not only one of the oldest but one of the most characteristic observances of our country. On that day, in home and church, in family and in public gatherings, the whole nation has for generations paid the tribute due from grateful hearts for blessings bestowed.

To center our thought in this way upon the favor which we have been shown has been altogether wise and desirable. It has given opportunity justly to balance the good and the evil which we have experienced. In that we have never failed to find reasons for being grateful to God for a generous preponderance of the good. Even in the least propitious times, a broad contemplation of our whole position has never failed to disclose overwhelming reasons for thankfulness. Thus viewing our situation, we have found warrant for a more hopeful and confident attitude toward the future.

In this current year, we now approach the time which has been accepted by custom as most fitting for the calm survey of our estate and the return of thanks. We shall the more keenly realize our good fortune, if we will, in deep sincerity, give to it due thought, and more especially, if we will compare it with that of any other community in the world.

The year has brought to our people two tragic experiences which have deeply affected them. One was the death of our beloved President Harding, which has been mourned wherever there is a realization of the worth of high ideals, noble purpose and unselfish service carried even to the end of supreme sacrifice. His loss recalled the nation to a less captious and more charitable attitude. It sobered the whole thought of the country. A little later came the unparalleled disaster to the friendly people of Japan. This called forth from the people of the United States a demonstration of deep and humane feeling. It was wrought into the substance of good works. It created new evidences of our international friendship, which is a guarantee of world peace. It replenished the charitable impulse of the country.

By experiences such as these, men and nations are tested and refined. We have been blessed with much of material prosperity. We shall be better able to appreciate it if we remember the privations others have suffered, and we shall be the more worthy of it if we use it for their relief. We will do well then to render thanks for the good that has come to us, and show by our actions that we have become stronger, wiser, and truer by the chastenings which have been imposed upon us. We will thus prepare ourselves for the part we must take in a world which forever needs the full measure of service. We have been a most favored people. We ought to be a most generous people. We have been a most blessed people. We ought to be a most thankful people.

Wherefore, I, Calvin Coolidge, President of the United States, do hereby fix and designate Thursday, the twenty-ninth day of November, as Thanksgiving Day, and recommend its general observance throughout the land. It is urged that the people, gathering in their homes and their usual places of worship, give expression to their gratitude for the benefits and blessings that a gracious Providence has bestowed upon them, and seek the guidance of Almighty God, that they may deserve a continuance of His favor.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this 5th day of November, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States, the One Hundred and Forty-eighth.

CALVIN COOLIDGE

\---

Herbert Clark Hoover

1929-1933

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72456&st=Thanksgiving&st1=

1930

Herbert Clark Hoover

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

Notwithstanding that our forefathers endured the hardships and privations of a primitive life, surrounded by dangers and solaced only with meager comforts, they nevertheless bequeathed to us a custom of devoting one day of every year to universal thanksgiving to Almighty God, for the blessing of life itself and the means to sustain it, for the sanctuary of home and the joys that pervade it, and for the mercies of His protection from accident, sickness, or death.

Our country has many causes for thanksgiving. We have been blest with distinctive evidence of divine favor. As a nation we have suffered far less than other peoples from the present world difficulties. We have been free from civil and industrial discord. The outlook for peace between nations has been strengthened. In a large view we have made progress upon the enduring structure of our institutions. The arts and sciences that enrich our lives and enlarge our control of nature have made notable advances. Education has been further extended. We have made gains in the prevention of disease and in the protection of childhood.

Now, Therefore, I, Herbert Hoover, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Thursday, November 27, 1930, as a National Day of Thanksgiving, and do enjoin the people of the United States so to observe it, calling upon them to remember that many of our people are in need and suffering from causes beyond their control, and suggesting that a proper celebration of the day should include that we make sure that every person in the community, young and old, shall have cause to give thanks for our institutions and for the neighborly sentiment of our people.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington this 6th day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and thirty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and fifty-fifth.

HERBERT HOOVER

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Franklin D. Roosevelt

1934-1945

Franklin D. Roosevelt

1939

In 1939 Roosevelt broke with tradition and declared the fourth Thursday as Thanksgiving rather than the last one.

With the country still in the midst of The Great Depression, Roosevelt thought an earlier Thanksgiving would give merchants a longer period to sell goods before Christmas. Increasing profits and spending during this period, Roosevelt hoped, would help bring the country out of the Depression. At the time, advertising goods for Christmas before Thanksgiving was considered inappropriate. Fred Lazarus, Jr., founder of the Federated Department Stores (later Macy's), is credited with convincing Roosevelt to push Thanksgiving back a week to expand the shopping season.

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=15829

1939

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Thursday, the twenty-third of November, 1939, as a day of general thanksgiving.

More than three centuries ago at the season of the gathering in of the harvest, the Pilgrims humbly paused in their work and gave thanks to God for the preservation of their community and for the abundant yield of the soil. A century and a half later, after the new Nation had been formed, and the charter of government, the Constitution of the Republic, had received the assent of the States, President Washington and his successors invited the people of the Nation to lay down their tasks one day in the year and give thanks for the blessings that had been granted them by Divine Providence. It is fitting that we should continue this hallowed custom and select a day in 1939 to be dedicated to reverent thoughts of thanksgiving.

Our Nation has gone steadily forward in the application of democratic processes to economic and social problems. We have faced the specters of business depression, of unemployment, and of widespread agricultural distress, and our positive efforts to alleviate these conditions have met with heartening results. We have also been permitted to see the fruition of measures which we have undertaken in the realms of health, social welfare, and the conservation of resources. As a Nation we are deeply grateful that in a world of turmoil we are at peace with all countries, and we especially rejoice in the strengthened bonds of our friendship with the other peoples of the Western Hemisphere.

Let us, on the day set aside for this purpose, give thanks to the Ruler of the Universe for the strength which He has vouchsafed us to carry on our daily labors and for the hope that lives within us of the coming of a day when peace and the productive activities of peace shall reign on every continent.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

1941

In 1941 Roosevelt signed a bill fixing Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November. However, for several years some states continued to observe the last-Thursday date in years with five November Thursdays (the next such year being 1944), with Texas doing so as late as 1956.

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=16208

1942

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord. Across the uncertain ways of space and time our hearts echo those words, for the days are with us again when, at the gathering of the harvest, we solemnly express our dependence upon Almighty God.

The final months of this year, now almost spent, find our Republic and the Nations joined with it waging a battle on many fronts for the preservation of liberty.

In giving thanks for the greatest harvest in the history of our Nation, we who plant and reap can well resolve that in the year to come we will do all in our power to pass that milestone; for by our labors in the fields we can share some part of the sacrifice with our brothers and sons who wear the uniform of the United States.

It is fitting that we recall now the reverent words of George Washington, "Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy Protection," and that every American in his own way lift his voice to heaven.

I recommend that all of us bear in mind this great Psalm: *

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

"He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

Inspired with faith and courage by these words, let us turn again to the work that confronts us in this time of national emergency: in the armed services and the merchant marine; in factories and offices; on farms and in the mines; on highways, railways, and airways; in other places of public service to the Nation; and in our homes.

Now, Therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, do hereby invite the attention of the people to the joint resolution of Congress approved December 26, 1941, which designates the fourth Thursday in November of each year as Thanksgiving Day; and I request that both Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1942, and New Year's Day, January 1, 1943, be observed in prayer, publicly and privately.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

<* Psalm 23>

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Harry S. Truman

1945-1953

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72464

1948

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

As the traditional day of thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts incline, as in previous years, to the richness of our blessings. The spiritual endowments of our country are undiminished; we may, as always, walk as free men unafraid. Our harvests have been bountiful, our production of goods abundant. Our resources have permitted us to aid the needy and helpless of other lands.

We are privileged to participate in international efforts to advance human welfare. We are profoundly grateful for the existence of an international forum where differences among nations may be submitted to world opinion with a view to harmonious adjustment.

We pray this year not only in the spirit of thanksgiving but also as suppliants for wisdom in our approach to the problems confronting this nation. Believing in the dignity of man and his right to live in freedom and peace, we ask divine guidance in helping to safeguard these gifts for ourselves and other peoples of the earth.

Now, Therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, in consonance with the joint resolution of Congress approved December 26, 1941, designating the fourth Thursday of November in each year as Thanksgiving Day, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 1948, as a day of national thanksgiving; and I call upon our citizens to observe that day by giving thanks to Almighty God for the bounties which have been bestowed upon our Nation and by resolving to render generous assistance to the hungry and homeless in other lands, thus renewing our devotion to the cause of good-will among men.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington this 12th day of November in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and forty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-third.

HARRY S. TRUMAN

By the President:

ROBERT A. LOVETT,  
Acting Secretary of State.

Dwight David Eisenhower

1953-1961

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72469&st=Thanksgiving&st1=

1953

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

As a nation much blessed, we feel impelled at harvest time to follow the tradition handed down by our Pilgrim Fathers of pausing from our labors for one day to render thanks to Almighty God for His bounties. Now that the year is drawing to a close, once again it is fitting that we incline our thoughts to His mercies and offer to Him our special prayers of gratitude.

For the courage and vision of our forebears who settled a wilderness and founded a Nation; for the "blessings of liberty" which the framers of our Constitution sought to secure for themselves and for their posterity, and which are so abundantly realized in our land today; for the unity of spirit which has made our country strong; and for the continuing faith under His guidance that has kept us a religious people with freedom of worship for all, we should kneel in humble thanksgiving.

Especially are we grateful this year for the truce in battle-weary Korea, which gives to anxious men and women throughout the world the hope that there may be an enduring peace:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, in consonance with the joint resolution of Congress approved December 26, 1941, do hereby call upon our people to observe Thursday, the twenty-sixth day of November, 1953, as a day of national thanksgiving. On that day let all of us, in accordance with our hallowed custom, forgather in our respective places of worship and bow before God in contrition for our sins, in suppliance for wisdom in our striving for a better world, and in gratitude for the manifold blessings He has bestowed upon us and upon our fellow men.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this Seventh day of November in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-eighth.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

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John Fitzgerald Kennedy

1961-1963

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=9511

1963

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them together and for the faith which united them with their God.

So too when the colonies achieved their independence, our first President in the first year of his first Administration proclaimed November 26, 1789, as "a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God" and called upon the people of the new republic to "beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions... to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue . . . and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best."

And so too, in the midst of America's tragic civil war, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November 1863 as a day to renew our gratitude for America's "fruitful fields," for our "national strength and vigor," and for all our "singular deliverances and blessings."

Much time has passed since the first colonists came to rocky shores and dark forests of an unknown continent, much time since President Washington led a young people into the experience of nationhood, much time since President Lincoln saw the American nation through the ordeal of fraternal war---and in these years our population, our plenty and our power have all grown apace. Today we are a nation of nearly two hundred million souls, stretching from coast to coast, on into the Pacific and north toward the Arctic, a nation enjoying the fruits of an ever-expanding agriculture and industry and achieving standards of living unknown in previous history. We give our humble thanks for this.

Yet, as our power has grown, so has our peril. Today we give our thanks, most of all, for the ideals of honor and faith we inherit from our forefathers---for the decency of purpose, steadfastness of resolve and strength of will, for the courage and the humility, which they possessed and which we must seek every day to emulate. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.

Let us therefore proclaim our gratitude to Providence for manifold blessings---let us be humbly thankful for inherited ideals---and let us resolve to share those blessings and those ideals with our fellow human beings throughout the world.

Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States of America, in consonance with the joint resolution of the Congress approved December 26, 1941, 55 Stat. 862 (5 U.S.C. 87b), designating the fourth Thursday of November in each year as Thanksgiving Day, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 28, 1963, as a day of national thanksgiving.

On that day let us gather in sanctuaries dedicated to worship and in homes blessed by family affection to express our gratitude for the glorious gifts of God; and let us earnestly and humbly pray that He will continue to guide and sustain us in the great unfinished tasks of achieving peace, justice, and understanding among all men and nations and of ending misery and suffering wherever they exist.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this fourth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-eighth.

JOHN F. KENNEDY

By the President:  
DEAN RUSK,  
Secretary of State

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Lyndon Baines Johnson

1963-1969

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=25999

1963

The President's Thanksgiving Day Address to the Nation **  
November 28, 1963 (John Kennedy had already issued the proclamation for 1963 prior to his untimely death in Dallas)

[Delivered from his office at the White House at 6:15 p.m.]

My fellow Americans:

On yesterday I went before the Congress to speak for the first time as President of the United States.

Tonight, on this Thanksgiving, I come before you to ask your help, to ask your strength, to ask your prayers that God may guard this Republic and guide my every labor.

All of us have lived through 7 days that none of us will ever forget. We are not given the divine wisdom to answer why this has been, but we are given the human duty of determining what is to be, what is to be for America, for the world, for the cause we lead, for all the hopes that live in our hearts.

A great leader is dead; a great Nation must move on. Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or to lose. I am resolved that we shall win the tomorrows before us. So I ask you to join me in that resolve, determined that from this midnight of tragedy, we shall move toward a new American greatness.

More than any generation before us, we have cause to be thankful, so thankful, on this Thanksgiving Day. Our harvests are bountiful, our factories flourish, our homes are safe, our defenses are secure. We live in peace. The good will of the world pours out for us.

But more than these blessings, we know tonight that our system is strong---strong and secure. A deed that was meant to tear us apart has bound us together. Our system has passed---you have passed---a great test. You have shown what John F. Kennedy called upon us to show in his proclamation of this Thanksgiving: that decency of purpose, that steadfastness of resolve, and that strength of will which we inherit from our forefathers. What better conveys what is best for America than this?

On Saturday, when these great burdens had been mine only hours, the first two citizens to call upon me and to offer their whole support were Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman.

Since last Friday, Americans have turned to the good, to the decent values of our life. These have served us. Yes, these have saved us. The service of our public institution and our public men is the salvation of us all from the Supreme Court to the States. And how much better would it be, how much more sane it would be, how much more decent and American it would be if all Americans could spend their fortunes and could give their time and spend their energies helping our system and its servants to solve your problems instead of pouring out the venom and the hate that stalemate us in progress.

I have served in Washington 32 years --- 32 years yesterday. I have seen five Presidents fill this awesome office. I have known them well and I have counted them all as friends---President Herbert Hoover, President Franklin Roosevelt, President Harry Truman, President Dwight Eisenhower, and President John Kennedy.

In each administration the greatest burden that the President had to bear had been the burden of his own countrymen's unthinking and unreasoning hate and division.

So, in these days, the fate of this office is the fate of us all. I would ask all Americans on this day of prayer and reverence to think on these things.

Let all who speak and all who teach and all who preach and all who publish and all who broadcast and all who read or listen-let them reflect upon their responsibilities to bind our wounds, to heal our sores, to make our society well and whole for the tasks ahead of us.

It is this work that I most want us to do: to banish rancor from our words and malice from our hearts; to close down the poison spring of hatred and intolerance and fanaticism; to perfect our unity north and south, east and west; to hasten the day when bias of race, religion, and region is no more; and to bring the day when our great energies and decencies and spirit will be free of the burdens that we have borne too long.

Our view is outward, our thrust is forward, but we remember in our hearts this brave young man who lies in honored eternal rest across the Potomac. We remember him; we remember his wonderful and courageous widow that we all love. We remember Caroline and John and all the great family who gave the Nation this son and brother.

And to honor his memory and the future of the works he started, I have today determined that Station No. 1 of the Atlantic Missile Range and the NASA Launch Operation Center in Florida shall hereafter be known as the John F. Kennedy Space Center.

I have also acted today with the understanding and the support of my friend, the Governor of Florida, Farris Bryant, to change the name of Cape Canaveral. It shall be known hereafter as Cape Kennedy.

On this Thanksgiving Day, as we gather in the warmth of our families, in the mutual love and respect which we have for one another, and as we bow our heads in submission to divine providence, let us also thank God for the years that He gave us inspiration through His servant, John F. Kennedy.

Let us today renew our dedication to the ideals that are American. Let us pray for His divine wisdom in banishing from our land any injustice or intolerance or oppression to any of our fellow Americans whatever their opinion, whatever the color of their skins---for God made all of us, not some of us, in His image. All of us, not just some of us, are His children.

And, finally, to you as your President, I ask that you remember your country and remember me each day in your prayers, and I pledge to you the best within me to work for a new American greatness, a new day when peace is more secure, when justice is more universal, when freedom is more strong in every home of all mankind.

Thank you and good night.

Richard Milhous Nixon

1969-1974

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=72414&st=thanksgiving&st1=

Richard Milhous Nixon

1969

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln invited his fellow citizens to "set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of Thanksgiving..." This was the year of the battle of Gettysburg and of other major battles between Americans on American soil. To many, this call for a national day of Thanksgiving must have seemed strange, coming as it did at a time of war and bitterness.

Yet Lincoln knew that the act of thanksgiving should not be limited to time of peace and serenity. He knew that it is precisely at those times of hardship when men most need to recognize that the Source of all good constantly bestows His blessings on mankind.

Today, despite our material wealth and well-being, Americans face complex problems unknown before in our nation's history. In giving thanks today, we express gratitude for past bounty and we also confidently face the challenges confronting our own nation and the world because we know we can rely on a strength greater than ourselves.

This year, let us especially seek to rekindle in our respective hearts and minds the spirit of our first settlers who valued freedom above all else, and who found much for which to be thankful when material comforts were meager. We are, indeed, a most fortunate people.

Now, Therefore, I, Richard M. Nixon, President of the United States of America, in consonance with Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code designating the fourth Thursday of November in each year as Thanksgiving Day, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 27, 1969, as a day of national thanksgiving.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred sixty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred ninety-fourth.

RICHARD NIXON

Gerald Rudolph Ford

1974-1977

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=5398&st=Thanksgiving&st1=

1975

[Recorded November 25, 1975. Released November 26, 1975] **

AS AMERICANS celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we once more count our bountiful blessings. We give thanks, first and foremost, to the Supreme Creator. We are thankful that our Nation is at peace.

This holiday reminds us of our duty to provide responsibly for the needs of our families and of our neighbors---the same values that guided those who celebrated our first Thanksgiving.

We recognize anew our national motto which proclaims "In God We Trust." We continue to trust. Our faith has been vindicated as we approach a bicentennial of national thanksgiving.

Our belief in America's goodness, in America's greatness, and in America's future continues to inspire us.

In that spirit, my family and I gratefully give thanks and wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving Day.

Note: The President spoke at 1:55 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White House. His remarks were recorded for later use on radio and television.

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James Earl Carter Jr.

1977-1981

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=45491&st=Thanksgiving&st1=

1980

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

The greatest bounty of our Nation is the bounty of our heritage, our diversity as immigrants and descendants of immigrants, our common identity as Americans.

We have set aside one day a year to give thanks for all that we have. Yet Thanksgiving is more than just a day of celebration. It is also a commemoration of the day America's earliest inhabitants sat down to table with European colonists.

That occasion was historic not only because it established a national holiday, but because it marked the start of a national tradition of cooperation, unity and tolerance.

Even in times of trial and frustration we have much to be thankful for, in our personal lives and in our Nation. As we pause on Thanksgiving to offer thanks to God, we should not forget that we also owe thanks to this country's forefathers who had the vision to join together in Thanksgiving, and who gave us so much of the vision of brotherhood that is ours today.

Now, Therefore, I, Jimmy Carter, President of the United States of America, do proclaim Thursday, the 27th of November, 1980 as Thanksgiving Day. I call upon all the people of our Nation to give thanks on that day for the blessings Almighty God has bestowed upon us, and to join the fervent prayer of George Washington who as President asked God to "... impart all the blessings we possess, or ask for ourselves to the whole family of mankind."

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifth.

JIMMY CARTER

Ronald Wilson Reagan

1981-1989

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=36758

1986

Radio Address to the Nation on the Observance of Thanksgiving Day **

November 22, 1986

My fellow Americans:

This coming Thursday we'll celebrate a holiday that belongs uniquely to our nation—Thanksgiving Day. Millions of us will travel from all parts of the country to gather in family homes, observing the holiday according to longstanding tradition: turkey with all the fixings, pumpkin pie, laughter, the warmth of family, love, and, yes, a moment of prayer to give thanks. Yet, at the same time, many among us will be less fortunate. And just as Thanksgiving Day has always been an occasion for counting our blessings, so, too, it's always been a time for making life better among our fellow Americans. In churches and synagogues across the country, for example, food will be collected in the next few days for distribution to the needy, or on Thanksgiving Day itself. And with this spirit of Thanksgiving in mind, I thought I'd speak with you for a moment this afternoon about the goodness of the American people and our willingness to give each other a helping hand.

The spirit of voluntarism is deeply ingrained in us as a nation. Maybe it has something to do with our history as a frontier land. Those early Americans who gave us Thanksgiving Day itself had to help each other in order to survive—joining together to plant crops, build houses, and raise barns. And perhaps they discovered that in helping others their own lives were enriched. In our own day, a poll showed most Americans believe that no matter how big government gets and no matter how many services it provides, it can never take the place of volunteers. In other words, we Americans understand that there are no substitutes for gifts of service given from the heart.

In our recent history, there was a time not long ago when this spirit seemed endangered, when philanthropy and personal involvement were giving way to bureaucratic plans and Federal programs. So, when our administration took office, we made it one of our main aims to encourage private sector initiatives, to reinvigorate the American tradition of voluntarism. And I have to admit, our success in this area is one of the accomplishments of which I'm most proud. For in the past few years, we've witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of the volunteer spirit, a tremendous reassertion of good will and neighborliness. Last year alone, individuals, corporations, bequests, and foundations gave nearly $80 billion to good causes—a record high. You can see these volunteer efforts all around. Consider the United Way, founded a century ago next year. Today there are more than 2,200 local United Ways in communities throughout the country. Just last year the United Way raised more than $2.3 billion, supported more than 3,700 health and human care agencies and programs, and served millions of families.

In 1958, for example, Dr. William Walsh asked President Dwight Eisenhower for the use of an old hospital ship, mothballed after World War II. Ike provided that ship, charging rent of just 81 a year. And Dr. Walsh turned the old ship into Project HOPE, a seaborne hospital and medical school that traveled the world. Today Project HOPE has been modernized, and medical volunteers traveled by plane recently to El Salvador to help with the aftereffects of the devastating earthquake.

Then there's Just Say No, a largely volunteer organization that's teaching children around the world to say no to drugs. This organization got started when Nancy was visiting an elementary school in California. A little girl asked what to do if someone offered her drugs, and Nancy's answer was simple: "Just say no." Well, not long ago, Nancy hosted a Just Say No rally here at the White House. More than 2,300 children attended. Although Just Say No requires school officials, teachers, and especially parents to devote to it a great deal of time, Nancy told me that everyone she spoke to at the rally was convinced that it's not only worth it but of vital importance for the future.

Local efforts may be less well known than major undertakings like Just Say No and Project HOPE, but to the very heart and soul of the American volunteer spirit, many of you'll be able to think of good works being performed in your own communities. I think of a house for the homeless here in Washington founded by a young priest, Father Jack Pfannenstiel, and sustained by his own hard work and that of volunteers. McKenna House offers shelter, food, and human concern for the homeless men right here in our Nation's Capital. Of course, we must do more, striving always to give of ourselves to those less fortunate. But it's good to reflect that here in America, perhaps more than in any other nation on Earth, we have a tradition of giving—of neighbor helping neighbor—that makes life better for tens of thousands every day. And for this, too, on Thanksgiving Day, let us give thanks.

Until next week, thanks for listening. God bless you.

Note: The President spoke at 12:06 p.m. from Camp David, MD.

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=36206

1988

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

The celebration of Thanksgiving Day is one of our Nation's most venerable and cherished traditions. Almost 200 years ago, the first President of these United States, George Washington, issued the first national Thanksgiving Day Proclamation under the Constitution and recommended to the American people that they "be devoted 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." He called upon them to raise "prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations," not merely for continued blessings on our own land but on all rulers and nations that they might know "good government, peace, and concord."

A century ago, President Grover Cleveland called for "prayers and song of praise" that would render to God the appreciation of the American people for His mercy and for the abundant harvests and rich rewards He had bestowed upon our Nation through the labor of its farmers, shopkeepers, and tradesmen. Both of these Proclamations included something else as well: a recognition of our shortcomings and transgressions and our dependence, in total and in every particular, on the forgiveness and forbearance of the Almighty.

Today, cognizant of our American heritage of freedom and opportunity, we are again called to gratitude, thanksgiving, and contrition. Thanksgiving Day summons every American to pause in the midst of activity, however necessary and valuable, to give simple and humble thanks to God. This gracious gratitude is the "service" of which Washington spoke. It is a service that opens our hearts to one another as members of a single family gathered around the bounteous table of God's Creation. The images of the Thanksgiving celebrations at America's earliest settlement—of Pilgrim and Iroquois Confederacy assembled in festive friendship—resonate with even greater power in our own day. People from every race, culture, and creed on the face of the Earth now inhabit this land. Their presence illuminates the basic yearning for freedom, peace, and prosperity that has always been the spirit of the New World.

In this year when we as a people enjoy the fruits of economic growth and international cooperation, let us take time both to remember the sacrifices that have made this harvest possible and the needs of those who do not fully partake of its benefits. The wonder of our agricultural abundance must be recalled as the work of farmers who, under the best and worst of conditions, give their all to raise food upon the land. The gratitude that fills our being must be tempered with compassion for the needy. The blessings that are ours must be understood as the gift of a loving God Whose greatest gift is healing. Let us join then, with the psalmist of old:

O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name, Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing praises to Him, Tell of all His wonderful works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! *

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 1988, as a National Day of Thanksgiving, and I call upon the citizens of this great Nation to gather together in homes and places of worship on that day of thanks to affirm by their prayers and their gratitude the many blessings God has bestowed upon us.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth.

RONALD REAGAN

<* Psalm 105:1-3>

\---

George Herbert Walker Bush

1989-1993

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=72483

1989

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamatio

On Thanksgiving Day, we Americans pause as a Nation to give thanks for the freedom and prosperity with which we have been blessed by our Creator. Like the pilgrims who first settled in this land, we offer praise to God for His goodness and generosity and rededicate ourselves to lives of service and virtue in His sight.

This annual observance of Thanksgiving was a cherished American tradition even before our first President, George Washington, issued the first Presidential Thanksgiving proclamation in 1789. In his first Inaugural Address, President Washington observed that "No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States." He noted that the American people - blessed with victory in their fight for Independence and with an abundance of crops in their fields \- owed God "some return of pious gratitude." Later, in a confidential note to his close advisor, James Madison, he asked "should the sense of the Senate be taken on... a day of Thanksgiving?" George Washington thus led the way to a Joint Resolution of Congress requesting the President to set aside "a day of public Thanksgiving and Prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal Favors of Almighty God."

Through the eloquent words of President Washington's initial Thanksgiving proclamation - the first under the Constitution - we are reminded of our dependence upon our Heavenly Father and of the debt of gratitude we owe to Him. "It is the Duty of all Nations," wrote Washington, "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."

President Washington asked that on Thanksgiving Day the people of the United States:

unite in rendering unto [God] 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 great degree of Tranquility, Union and Plenty which we have since enjoyed; for... the civil and religious Liberty with which we are blessed, and... for all the great and various Favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

Two hundred years later, we continue to offer thanks to the Almighty \- not only for the material prosperity that our Nation enjoys, but also for the blessings of peace and freedom. Our Nation has no greater treasures than these.

As we pause to acknowledge the kindnesses God has shown to us \- and, indeed, His gift of life itself \- we do so in a spirit of humility as well as gratitude. When the United States was still a fledgling democracy, President Washington asked the American people to unite in prayer to the "great Lord and ruler of Nations," in order to:

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 national Government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a Government of wise, just and constitutional Laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations... and to bless them with good Government, peace and Concord.

Today, we, too, pause on Thanksgiving with humble and contrite hearts, mindful of God's mercy and forgiveness and of our continued need for His protection and guidance. On this day, we also remember that one gives praise to God not only through prayers of thanksgiving, but also through obedience to His commandments and service to others, especially those less fortunate than ourselves.

While some Presidents followed Washington's precedent, and some State Governors did as well, President Lincoln \- despite being faced with the dark specter of civil war - renewed the practice of proclaiming a national day of Thanksgiving. This venerable tradition has been sustained by every President since then, in times of strife as well as times of peace and prosperity.

Today, we continue to offer thanks and praise to our Creator, that "Great Author of every public and private good," for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. In so doing, we recall the timeless words of the 100th Psalm:

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 23, 1989, as a National Day of Thanksgiving, and I call upon the American people to gather together in homes and places of worship on that day of thanks to affirm by their prayers and their gratitude the many blessings God has bestowed upon us and our Nation.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

GEORGE BUSH

\---

William Jefferson Clinton

1993-2001 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=49378

1994

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

As the end of another year draws closer, we are again filled with thankfulness for the blessings of a fruitful land. For more than 200 years, Americans have welcomed autumn's harvest with gratitude and goodwill. On Thanksgiving Day, we set aside our daily routines to acknowledge the bounty and mercy of Divine Providence. With full hearts, we bask in the warmth of family and community gatherings, and we reflect on the challenge, responsibility, and privilege that are ours as citizens of these United States.

It is our great fortune to live in a country of abundance and promise—a land of freedom for all. Still only a few generations removed from our Nation's founders, we continue to blaze a trail toward stability and justice. Aspiring to lift ourselves closer to God's grace, we remain determined to ease the pain of the many people who know only poverty and despair. Clearly, ours is an unfinished journey.

Our destination must be to create the means for every one of us to prosper, to enjoy sound education, meaningful work experience, protective health care, and personal security. It is our responsibility to prompt the national conscience so that by fostering virtue, wisdom, and moral values, we rejoice in our growth as a people.

Our challenge is to give assistance and encouragement that are equitable and just and that alleviate human suffering. Our responsibility is to nurture the processes of peace and equal human rights everywhere with compassion and concern. And like other pioneers before us, it is our privilege to be able to aim toward lofty goals.

Across this land as people gather together with loved ones to savor the bounty of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I invite each family, each religious congregation, each community and city, to celebrate your experience of the American heritage. Reach out in friendship and cooperation to the people of your hometown. Take responsibility for bringing harmony and hope, peace and prosperity to all of the inhabitants of our world. Share the privileges of freedom and the challenge of working for a better world.

Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, 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 24, 1994, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I urge the citizens of this great Nation to continue this beloved tradition and to strengthen it by gathering in their homes and places of worship to express their heartfelt gratitude for the many blessings of our lives.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and nineteenth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON

\---

George Walker Bush

2001-2008

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=84954

2008

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

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

\---

Barack Hussein Obama

2009-2012

2013-2016*

(* elected to serve the 2013-2016 term in November 2012))

 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=102646

2012

By the President of the United States of America **

A Proclamation

On Thanksgiving Day, Americans everywhere gather with family and friends to recount the joys and blessings of the past year. This day is a time to take stock of the fortune we have known and the kindnesses we have shared, grateful for the God-given bounty that enriches our lives. As many pause to lend a hand to those in need, we are also reminded of the indelible spirit of compassion and mutual responsibility that has distinguished our Nation since its earliest days.

Many Thanksgivings have offered opportunities to celebrate community during times of hardship. When the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony gave thanks for a bountiful harvest nearly four centuries ago, they enjoyed the fruits of their labor with the Wampanoag tribe—a people who had shared vital knowledge of the land in the difficult months before. When President George Washington marked our democracy's first Thanksgiving, he prayed to our Creator for peace, union, and plenty through the trials that would surely come. And when our Nation was torn by bitterness and civil war, President Abraham Lincoln reminded us that we were, at heart, one Nation, sharing a bond as Americans that could bend but would not break. Those expressions of unity still echo today, whether in the contributions that generations of Native Americans have made to our country, the Union our forebears fought so hard to preserve, or the providence that draws our families together this season.

As we reflect on our proud heritage, let us also give thanks to those who honor it by giving back. This Thanksgiving, thousands of our men and women in uniform will sit down for a meal far from their loved ones and the comforts of home. We honor their service and sacrifice. We also show our appreciation to Americans who are serving in their communities, ensuring their neighbors have a hot meal and a place to stay. Their actions reflect our age-old belief that we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, and they affirm once more that we are a people who draw our deepest strength not from might or wealth, but from our bonds to each other.

On Thanksgiving Day, individuals from all walks of life come together to celebrate this most American tradition, grateful for the blessings of family, community, and country. Let us spend this day by lifting up those we love, mindful of the grace bestowed upon us by God and by all who have made our lives richer with their presence.

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 22, 2012, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage the people of the United States to join together—whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors—and give thanks for all we have received in the past year, express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and 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 twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.   
BARACK OBAMA

NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on November 27, 2012

** Notes for this document:

American Presidency Project

www.americanpresidency.org

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/

Most all of the information regarding Presidential Proclamations reproduced here was obtained from the online American Presidency Project. All of the documents are available to the public and are considered in the public domain. Jim Davenport gives complete credit to the American Presidency Project for organizing and making available this valuable information for the research, education and enlightenment of the public.

The American Presidency Project (americanpresidency.org) was established in 1999 as collaboration between John T. Woolley and Gerhard Peters at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Their archives contain more than 102,000 documents related to the study of the Presidency as of December, 2012

The Papers of the Presidents

The American Presidency Project is the only online resource that has consolidated, coded, and organized into a single searchable database.

© 1999-2013 - Gerhard Peters - The American Presidency Project

# Appendix B - List of United States Presidents

1. George Washington 1789-1797

2. John Adams 1797-1801

3. Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809

4. James Madison 1809-1817

5. James Monroe 1817-1825

6. John Quincy Adams 1825-1829

7. Andrew Jackson 1829-1837

8. Martin Van Buren 1837-1841

9. William Henry Harrison 1841

10. John Tyler 1841-1845

11. James Knox Polk 1845-1849

12. Zachary Taylor 1849-1850

13. Millard Fillmore 1850-1853

14. Franklin Pierce 1853-1857

15. James Buchanan 1857-1861

16. Abraham Lincoln 1861-1865

17. Andrew Johnson 1865-1869

18. Ulysses Simpson Grant 1869-1877

19. Rutherford Birchard Hayes 1877-1881

20. James Abram Garfield 1881

21. Chester Alan Arthur 1881-1885

22. Grover Cleveland 1885-1889

23. Benjamin Harrison 1889-1893

24. Grover Cleveland 1893-1897

25. William McKinley 1897-1901

26. Theodore Roosevelt 1901-1909

27. William Howard Taft 1909-1913

28. Woodrow Wilson 1913-1921

29. Warren Gamaliel Harding 1921-1923

30. Calvin Coolidge 1923-1929

31. Herbert Clark Hoover 1929-1933

32. Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1933-1945

33. Harry S. Truman 1945-1953

34. Dwight David Eisenhower 1953-1961

35. John Fitzgerald Kennedy 1961-1963

36. Lyndon Baines Johnson 1963-1969

37. Richard Milhous Nixon 1969-1974

38. Gerald Rudolph Ford 1974-1977

39. James Earl Carter Jr. 1977-1981

40. Ronald Wilson Reagan 1981-1989

41. George Herbert Walker Bush 1989-1993

42. William Jefferson Clinton 1993-2001

43. George Walker Bush 2001-2008

44. Barack Hussein Obama 2009-Present

# Appendix C - Religious Affiliation - Summary

The table below is a summary of the religious affiliation of all to the U.S. Presidents

http://www.adherents.com/adh_presidents.html

# Appendix D - Religious Affiliation – Detail

The table below is a detail listing of the religious affiliation of all to the U.S. Presidents

http://www.adherents.com/adh_presidents.html

1 George Washington

 Episcopalian

2 John Adams

Congregationalist (raised); Unitarian

3 Thomas Jefferson

 Raised Episcopalian; later no specific denomination; held Christian, Deist, Unitarian beliefs

4 James Madison

 Episcopalian (deist?)

5 James Monroe

Episcopalian (deist?)

6 John Quincy Adams

 Unitarian

7 Andrew Jackson

 Presbyterian

8 Martin Van Buren

 Dutch Reformed

9 William Henry Harrison

 Episcopalian

10 John Tyler

Episcopalian (deist)

11 James Knox Polk

Presbyterian; Methodist

12 Zachary Taylor

 Episcopalian

13 Millard Fillmore

 Unitarian

14 Franklin Pierce

 Episcopalian

15 James Buchanan

 Presbyterian

16 Abraham Lincoln

 Raised Baptist; later no specific denomination (deist)

17 Andrew Johnson

 Christian (no specific denomination)

18 Ulysses S Grant

 Presbyterian; Methodist

19 Rutherford B. Hayes

 Presbyterian; Methodist (?)

20 James A. Garfield

 Disciples of Christ

21 Chester A. Arthur

 Episcopalian

22 Grover Cleveland

 Presbyterian

23 Benjamin Harrison

 Presbyterian

24 Grover Cleveland

 Presbyterian

25 William McKinley

 Methodist

26 Theodore Roosevelt

 Dutch Reformed; Episcopalian

27 William Howard Taft

 Unitarian

28 Woodrow Wilson

 Presbyterian

29 Warren G. Harding

 Baptist

30 Calvin Coolidge

 Congregationalist

31 Herbert Hoover

 Quaker

32 Franklin Delano Roosevelt

 Episcopalian

33 Harry S. Truman

 Southern Baptist

34 Dwight D. Eisenhower

 River Brethren; Jehovah's Witnesses; Presbyterian

35 John F. Kennedy

 Catholic

36 Lyndon B. Johnson

 Disciples of Christ

37 Richard M. Nixon

 Quaker

38 Gerald Ford

Episcopalian

39 Jimmy Carter

Baptist (former Southern Baptist)

40 Ronald Reagan

 Disciples of Christ; Presbyterian

41 George H. W. Bush

 Episcopalian

42 William Jefferson Clinton

Baptist

43 George W. Bush

 Methodist (former Episcopalian)

44 Barack Hussein Obama

Former member of Church of Christ (1992 to 2008); announced in June 2009 that his primary place of worship would be the Evergreen Chapel at Camp David.

# Appendix E – List of Links

The following table contains a list of the embedded links in this book that are neither visible nor "clickable" in a hard copy book. The embedded links refer to specific URL's that make navigation in an online environment much easier and do not significantly interrupt the flow of the document. The links are listed in the order that they appear in the book.

#..... Preliminaries

jimdavenport.wordpress.com►

jimdavenport.wordpress.com

jamesldavenport@gmail.com ►

jamesldavenport@gmail.com

Other Books by Jim Davenport► https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/order-my-book/

... About My Blog►

jimdavenport.wordpress.com

#..... Chapter 1

Jews► http://www.jewfaq.org/holidayg.htm

Pilgrims celebrate the traditional first Thanksgiving at Plymouth in 1621►  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_First_Thanksgiving_cph.3g04961.jpg

"Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor," by William Halsall, 1882 at Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA►  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MayflowerHarbor.jpg

 An Attitude of Thankfulness► http://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/an-attitude-of-thankfulness/

 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patient_Protection_and_Affordable_Care_Act

 filed suit► http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/05/21/catholic-organizations-across-country-file-suit-against-contraception-mandate/

question► http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=5526

 opening your heart and life to Christ► https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/how-to-become-a-christian/

Jewish Holiday Primer 101► http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday0.htm

#..... Chapter 2

The Pilgrims► https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/thanksgiving-day-religious-to-secular-part-1/

A map depicting various colonial territorial claims related to Massachusetts►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Masscolony.png

Connecticut Colony► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut#History

Charlestown► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlestown,_Boston

 Framingham► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Framingham,_Massachusetts

 Dunstable► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunstable,_Massachusetts#History

 Marlborough► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marlborough,_Massachusetts

Worcester► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worcester,_Massachusetts

"The French and Indian War" (referred to as "The Seven Years War" in Europe)► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_and_Indian_War

Second Continental Congress Voting for Independence► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Congress_voting_independence.jpg

First Continental Congress► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Continental_Congress

Intolerable Acts► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intolerable_Acts

Second Continental Congress► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Continental_Congress

Surrender of General Burgoyne ending the American Revolution► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Surrender_of_General_Burgoyne.jpg

Saratoga► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Saratoga

What is the Origin of America's Annual Thanksgiving Day?►

http://christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g007.html

 Spark Notes on The American Revolution► http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/revolution/section1.rhtml

 Timeline: From Founding Through the American Revolution►  http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/history/revwartimeline.htm

#..... Chapter 3

second article► http://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2012/11/27/thanksgiving-day-religious-to-secular-part-2/

Bill of Rights► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights#Philadelphia_Convention

First Amendment► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

 Matthew Henry Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible►

 http://www.studylight.org/com/mhc-com/view.cgi?book=1th&chapter=005

First Amendment to the United States Constitution► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

link►

See Appendix A

letter to the Baptist Association► http://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/jeffersons-religious-beliefs#footnote9_bywer6h

 link►

See Appendix A

 link►

See Appendix B

American Civil War► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War

 Reconstruction Amendments► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconstruction_Amendments

 Fourteenth Amendment► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

PPACA► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patient_Protection_and_Affordable_Care_Act

 On Pakistan's Blasphemy Laws► http://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2011/05/12/pakistans-blasphemy-laws/

Reverend John H. Barrows► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Henry_Barrows

here is that entry► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln_and_religion

What is the origin of America's annual Thanksgiving Day?► http://christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g007.html

Spark Notes on The American Revolution► http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/revolution/

Wikipedia on Thanksgiving► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

Timeline: From Founding Through the American Revolution►  http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/history/revwartimeline.htm

Thomas Jefferson's Religious Beliefs►  http://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/jeffersons-religious-beliefs

Religious affiliation of all US Presidents► http://www.adherents.com/adh_presidents.html

Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer►  http://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/day-thanksgiving-and-prayer

Congress Establishes Thanksgiving►  http://www.archives.gov/legislative/features/thanksgiving/

John Adams Religious Views►  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams#Religious_views

Religious affiliation of Abraham Lincoln►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pl/Abraham_Lincoln.html

Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamations►  http://www.pilgrimhallmuseum.org/thanksgiving_proclamations.htm

Answers.com on Thanksgiving►  http://www.answers.com/topic/thanksgiving-day#ixzz2D6Mf3Nhs

#..... Chapter 4

Attitude of Thankfulness ►  http://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/an-attitude-of-thankfulness/

Gnosticism► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosticism

Charles Spurgeon has a wonderful exposition► http://www.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps100.htm

President Andrew Johnson► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Johnson

620,000 soldiers perished► http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/faq/

link►

See Appendix A

Franklin Delano Roosevelt► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_D._Roosevelt

Great Depression► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression

Watergate scandal► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watergate_scandal

What is the origin of America's annual Thanksgiving Day?►

http://christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g007.html

 Spark Notes on The American Revolution►  http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/revolution/section1.rhtml

Wikipedia on Thanksgiving► http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

 Timeline: From Founding Through the American Revolution►

 http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/history/revwartimeline.htm

Religious affiliation of all US Presidents► http://www.adherents.com/adh_presidents.html

 Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer►  http://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/day-thanksgiving-and-prayer

Congress Establishes Thanksgiving►  http://www.archives.gov/legislative/features/thanksgiving/

 John Adams Religious Views►  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams#Religious_views

Religious affiliation of Abraham Lincoln►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pl/Abraham_Lincoln.html

Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamations► http://www.pilgrimhallmuseum.org/

Consequences of Thanklessness►  http://bible.org/seriespage/reasons-thanksgiving-col-112b-14

Answers.com on Thanksgiving►  http://www.answers.com/topic/thanksgiving-day#ixzz2D6Mf3Nhs

 Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul►  https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/thank-you-lord-for-saving-my-soul/

 Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul – Update►  https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/thank-you-lord-for-saving-my-soul-update/

 Blessings in Disguise – a Thanksgiving Devotional►  https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/blessings-in-disguise-a-thanksgiving-devotional/

 An Anchor in the Time of the Storm►  https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2012/11/07/an-anchor-in-the-time-of-the-storm/

 An Attitude of Thankfulness►  http://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/an-attitude-of-thankfulness/

 How to Become a Christian►  https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/how-to-become-a-christian/

A Summary of All of Jim Davenport's Articles►  https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/

 Boundless Love►  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXPesWQmjAw&feature=youtube_gdata

Into His Presence (with Thanksgiving)► http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvkSADctNrI

Listen to the Good News► https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/the-good-news/

#..... Appendix A

The American Presidency Project►

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/

Wikipedia►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving

 Massachusetts Bay Colony►

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_Bay_Colony

Connecticut Colony►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut_Colony

Charlestown, Massachusetts►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlestown,_Boston

George Washington►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington

Elias Boudinot►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elias_Boudinot

George Washington►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington

President John Adams►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams

President James Madison►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Madison

Governor William Plumer New Hampshire►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Plumer

Governor John Brooks Massachusetts►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Brooks

Governor Witt Clinton►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeWitt_Clinton

President Abraham Lincoln►

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln

 Wikipedia – List of Presidents►

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Presidents_of_the_United_States

#..... Appendix D

 Episcopalian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pw/George_Washington.html

Congregationalist (raised); Unitarian► http://www.adherents.com/people/pa/John_Adams.html

 Raised Episcopalian; later no specific denomination; held Christian, Deist, Unitarian beliefs►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pj/Thomas_Jefferson.html

 Episcopalian (deist?)►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pm/James_Madison.html

Episcopalian (deist?)► http://www.adherents.com/people/pm/James_Monroe.html

 Unitarian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pa/John_Quincy_Adams.html

 Presbyterian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pj/Andrew_Jackson.html

 Dutch Reformed►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pv/Martin_Van_Buren.html

 Episcopalian► http://www.adherents.com/people/ph/William_Henry_Harrison.html

Episcopalian (deist)► http://www.adherents.com/people/pt/John_Tyler.html

Presbyterian; Methodist► http://www.adherents.com/people/pp/James_Polk.html

 Episcopalian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pt/Zachary_Taylor.html

 Unitarian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pf/Millard_Fillmore.html

 Episcopalian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pp/Franklin_Pierce.html

 Presbyterian► http://www.adherents.com/people/pb/James_Buchanan.html

 Raised Baptist; later no specific denomination (deist)►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pl/Abraham_Lincoln.html

 Christian (no specific denomination)►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pj/Andrew_Johnson.html

 Presbyterian; Methodist►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pg/Ulysses_Grant.html

 Presbyterian; Methodist (?)►  http://www.adherents.com/people/ph/Rutherford_B_Hayes.html

 Disciples of Christ►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pg/James_Garfield.html

 Episcopalian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pa/Chester_Arthur.html

 Presbyterian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pc/Grover_Cleveland.html

Presbyterian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/ph/Benjamin_Harrison_pres.html

 Presbyterian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pc/Grover_Cleveland.html

 Methodist►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pm/William_McKinley.html

 Dutch Reformed; Episcopalian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pr/Theodore_Roosevelt.html

 Unitarian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pt/William_Howard_Taft.html

 Presbyterian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pw/Woodrow_Wilson.html

 Baptist►  http://www.adherents.com/people/ph/Warren_Harding.html

 Congregationalist►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pc/Calvin_Coolidge.html

 Quaker►  http://www.adherents.com/people/ph/Herbert_Hoover.html

 Episcopalian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pr/Franklin_D_Roosevelt.html

 Southern Baptist►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pt/Harry_S_Truman.html

 River Brethren; Jehovah's Witnesses; Presbyterian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pe/Dwight_Eisenhower.html

 Catholic►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pk/John_F_Kennedy.html

 Disciples of Christ►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pj/Lyndon_Johnson.html

 Quaker►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pn/Richard_Nixon.html

Episcopalian►

http://www.adherents.com/people/pf/Gerald_Ford.html

Baptist (former Southern Baptist)► http://www.adherents.com/people/pc/Jimmy_Carter.html

 Disciples of Christ; Presbyterian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pr/Ronald_Reagan.html

 Episcopalian►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pb/George_HW_Bush.html

Baptist► http://www.adherents.com/people/pc/Bill_Clinton.html

 Methodist (former Episcopalian)►  http://www.adherents.com/people/pb/George_W_Bush.html

### For additional information address:

### Jim Davenport

### InfoSys Solutions Associates, Inc.

### 4740 Riversound Drive

### Snellville, GA 30039

jimdavenport.wordpress.com

jamesldavenport@gmail.com

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