A PROCLAMATION by the President of the United States of America:
November 18, 2005
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
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