Continental Congress issued the first ever National Thanksgiving Proclamation in
1777. It kept up the tradition of issuing Thanksgiving proclamations until 1784.
In 1777, the United States Congress assembly set apart 18th December, which was
a Thursday to be celebrated as the Thanksgiving Day and praise God. Next year,
Congress designated 30th of December, which was a Wednesday for public
Thanksgiving and Praise Day, and it was announced that all people should express
gratitude to Almighty with 'united hearts' so that he may grant favors upon the
country of United States and bless with health and wealth.
In his proclamation in 1979, Samuel Huntington, the President of Congress,
appointed 9th of December, which was a Thursday, as the public day for 'solemn
thanksgiving to Almighty God for his mercies and of prayer for the continuance
of his favor and protection to these United States.' In 1780, 7th of December,
which was a Thursday, was set apart to be observed as 'a day of public
thanksgiving and prayer' so that people can 'celebrate the praises of our Divine
Benefactor.' Next year, it was 13th of December, when the Thanksgiving and
Prayer Day was celebrated as a religious day and people sung the praises of God.
It was in 1782, when the last Thursday of November, which was 28th November that
year, was observed as the Thanksgiving Day for the first time. The dates of
Thanksgiving kept changing with the proclamations. It was celebrated on 18th of
October in 1783 and 19th of October, which was a Tuesday, in 1784.
1777 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Forasmuch 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
1778 Thanksgiving Proclamation
It having pleased Almighty God, through the course of the present year, to
bestow great and manifold mercies on the people of these United States; and it
being the indispensable duty of all men gratefully to acknowledge their
obligations to Him for benefits received
1779 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with
gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in
conducting our forefathers to this western world; for his protection to them and
to their posterity amid difficulties and dangers
1780 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God, the Father of all mercies, amidst the
vicissitudes and calamities of war, to bestow blessings on the people of these
states, which call for their devout and thankful acknowledgments, more
especially in the late remarkable interposition of his watchful providence
1781 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas, it hath pleased Almighty God, the supreme Disposer of all Events father
of mercies, remarkably to assist and support the United States of America in
their important struggle for liberty, against the long continued efforts of a
powerful nation
1782 Thanksgiving Proclamation
It being the indispensable duty of all nations, not only to offer up their
supplications to Almighty God, the giver of all good, for his gracious
assistance in the a time of public distress, but also in a solemn and public
manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great
1783 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it hath pleased the Supreme Ruler of all human events, to dispose the
hearts of the late belligerent powers to put a period to the effusion of human
blood, by proclaiming a cessation of all hostilities by sea and land, and these
United States are not only happily rescued from the dangers distresses
1784 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it hath pleased the Supreme Ruler of the universe, of his infinite
goodness and mercy, so to calm the minds and do away the resentments of the
powers lately engaged in a most bloody and destructive war, and to dispose their
hearts towards amity and friendship, that a general pacification hath taken
place
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