The president's Thanksgiving proclamation
If you ever take the time to read the original journal of the Plymouth Colony's Governor Bradford, you will be stunned. Not only is the history of the Massachusetts colony and the first Thanksgiving being taught our children completely wrong, it has been fraudulently revised to falsely reflect a noble native culture savaged by barbaric colonists.
No matter, because tomorrow's solemn holiday is far too important to be sullied. This Thanksgiving, as you celebrate with family and friends and humbly offer thanks for all of the goodness in your lives, consider the words of our first president, His Excellency George Washington (spelling is offered as it was written during that time).
The year was 1789 and this is what President Washington proclaimed to an expectant nation, most grateful for the blessing of liberty after such a long, horrid, bloody struggle:
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor — and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be — That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks — for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation — for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility [sic], union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed — for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted — for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions — to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually — to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed — to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord — To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us — and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
George Washington
Powerful words from our nation's most powerful president ever, revered by all citizens of the new republic. And yet he unashamedly humbled himself in repeatedly giving thanks to God so that no one could possibly misconstrue his conviction.
I suppose it will only be a matter of time before our public schools censor this document as well — we cannot allow our children to know that once upon a time, when the United States was young and vibrant and long before we strayed from the path of freedom and misplaced our greatness, all Americans thanked God for their deliverance.
Please do have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Day, love your family, and bless our nation.