A PROCLAMATION by the President of the United States of America:
November 23, 2003
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
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