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