Thanksgiving Day Proclamation
By the President of the
United States of America
November 25, 2004
All across America, we gather this week with the people we love to give
thanks to God for the blessings in our lives. We are grateful for our
freedom, grateful for our families and friends, and grateful for the many
gifts of America. On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge that all of these
things, and life itself, come from the Almighty God.
Almost four centuries ago, the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest feast to
thank God after suffering through a brutal winter. President George
Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, and
President Lincoln revived the tradition during the Civil War, asking
Americans to give thanks with "one heart and one voice." Since then, in
times of war and in times of peace, Americans have gathered with family
and friends and given thanks to God for our blessings.
Thanksgiving is also a time to share our blessings with those who are less
fortunate. Americans this week will gather food and clothing for neighbors
in need. Many young people will give part of their holiday to volunteer at
homeless shelters and food pantries. On Thanksgiving, we remember that the
true strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of the American
people. By seeking out those who are hurting and by lending a hand,
Americans touch the lives of their fellow citizens and help make our
Nation and the world a better place.
This Thanksgiving, we express our gratitude to our dedicated firefighters
and police officers who help keep our homeland safe. We are grateful to
the homeland security and intelligence personnel who spend long hours on
faithful watch. And we give thanks for the Americans in our Armed Forces
who are serving around the world to secure our country and advance the
cause of freedom. These brave men and women make our entire Nation proud,
and we thank them and their families for their sacrifice.
On this Thanksgiving Day, we thank God for His blessings and ask Him to
continue to guide and watch over our Nation.
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 25, 2004,
as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather
together in their homes and places of worship to reinforce the ties of
family and community and to express gratitude for the many blessings we
enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
2008 Presidential Proclamation
2007 Presidential Proclamation
2006 Presidential Proclamation
2005 Presidential Proclamation
2003 Presidential Proclamation
2001 Presidential Proclamation
1999 Presidential Proclamation
1998 Presidential Proclamation
1996 Presidential Proclamation
1789 Presidential Proclamation
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