President Bush's Thanksgiving Proclamation

George Washington issued the first Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789. These proclamations were made sporadically through 1815 and then there were none at all between 1816 and 1861.

Since the days of Abraham Lincoln, presidents have written a proclamation each year for Thanksgiving. To go back and see what different Presidents have written over the years, check out the Pilgrim Hall Museum website.

Here is the text for this year's Presidential proclamation.

THANKSGIVING DAY 2005 November 18, 2005

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, A PROCLAMATION

Thanksgiving Day is a time to remember our many blessings and to celebrate the opportunities that freedom affords. Explorers and settlers arriving in this land often gave thanks for the extraordinary plenty they found. And today, we remain grateful to live in a country of liberty and abundance. We give thanks for the love of family and friends, and we ask God to continue to watch over America.

This Thanksgiving, we pray and express thanks for the men and women who work to keep America safe and secure. Members of our Armed Forces, State and local law enforcement, and first responders embody our Nation's highest ideals of courage and devotion to duty. Our country is grateful for their service and for the support and sacrifice of their families. We ask God's special blessings on those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

We also remember those affected by the destruction of natural disasters. Their tremendous determination to recover their lives exemplifies the American spirit, and we are grateful for those across our Nation who answered the cries of their neighbors in need and provided them with food, shelter, and a helping hand. We ask for continued strength and perseverance as we work to rebuild these communities and return hope to our citizens.

We give thanks to live in a country where freedom reigns, justice prevails, and hope
prospers. We recognize that America is a better place when we answer the
universal call to love a neighbor and help those in need. May God bless and
guide the United States of America as we move forward.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 2005, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to reinforce the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

I hope that each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.