Thanksgiving: From crisis to calm, America always moves forward
Since 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt, declared the first modern national day of Thanksgiving, American presidents have offered proclamations to mark the holiday.
As we gather with our friends and family today, we share these words to remind our readers and neighbors of the weighty challenges we have faced and overcome — and the tough times and crises that surely lie ahead.
We remain committed to the ideals of the republic and will stand fast to protect the freedoms we believe all our neighbors should enjoy — every day. Happy Thanksgiving.
1941: President Franklin D. Roosevelt
“... We have not lost our faith in the spiritual dignity of man, our proud belief in the right of all people to live out their lives in freedom and with equal treatment. The love of democracy still burns brightly in our hearts.
“We are grateful to the Father of us all for the innumerable daily manifestations of His beneficent mercy in affairs both public and private, for the bounties of the harvest, for opportunities to labor and to serve, and for the continuance of those homely joys and satisfactions which enrich our lives . ...
“On the day appointed for this purpose, let us reflect at our homes or places of worship on the goodness of God and, in giving thanks, let us pray for a speedy end to strife and the establishment on earth of freedom, brotherhood, and justice for enduring time.”
1953: President Dwight D. Eisenhower
“As a Nation much blessed, we feel impelled at harvest time to follow the tradition handed down by our Pilgrim fathers of pausing from our labors for one day to render thanks to Almighty God for His bounties . ...
“For the courage and vision of our forebears who settled a wilderness and founded a Nation; for the ‘blessings of liberty’ which the framers of our Constitution sought to secure for themselves and for their posterity, and which are so abundantly realized in our land today; for the unity of spirit which has made our country strong; and for the continuing faith under His guidance that has kept us a religious people with freedom of worship for all, we should kneel in humble thanksgiving.
“Especially are we grateful this year for the truce in battle-weary Korea, which gives to anxious men and women throughout the world the hope that there may be an enduring peace.”
1968: President Lyndon B. Johnson
“Americans, looking back on the tumultuous events of 1968, may be more inclined to ask God’s mercy and guidance than to offer Him thanks for his blessings.
“There are many events in this year that deserve our remembrance, and give us cause for thanksgiving:
h the endurance and stability of our democracy, as we prepare once more for an orderly transition of authority;
h the renewed determination, on the part of millions of Americans, to bridge our divisions;
h the beginning of talks with our adversaries, that will, we pray, lead to peace in Vietnam;
h the increasing prosperity of our people, including those who were denied any share in America’s blessings in the past;
h the achievement of new breakthroughs in medical science, and new victories over disease.
“These events inspire not only the deepest gratitude, but confidence that our nation, the beneficiary of good fortune beyond that of any nation in history, will surmount its present trials and achieve a more just society for its people.”
1974: President Gerald R. Ford
declared Nov. 28, 1974 as Thanksgiving Day. Here are excerpts from his proclamation that year:
“America and the world have changed enormously since the first thanksgiving 353 years ago. From a tiny coastal enclave on an untamed continent, we have grown into the mightiest, freest nation in human history. A civilization whose farthest reach was once the earth’s uncharted seas has now plumbed the secrets of outer space.
“But the fundamental meaning of Thanksgiving still remains the same. It is a time when the differences of a diverse people are forgotten and all Americans join in giving thanks to God for the blessings we share — the blessings of freedom, opportunity and abundance that make America so unique.
“This year, in the midst of plenty, we still face serious problems and massive challenges. In giving thanks for the many things we hold dear, let us also pray for the courage, resourcefulness and sense of purpose we will need to continue America’s saga of progress ...”
1986: President Ronald W. Reagan
“... One of the most inspiring portrayals of American history is that of George Washington on his knees in the snow at Valley Forge. That moving image personifies and testifies to our Founders’ dependence upon Divine Providence during the darkest hours of our Revolutionary struggle. It was then-when our mettle as a Nation was tested most severely — that the Sovereign and Judge of nations heard our plea and came to our assistance in the form of aid from France. Thereupon General Washington immediately called for a special day of thanksgiving among his troops.
“... Today let us take heart from the noble example of our first President. Let us pause from our many activities to give thanks to Almighty God for our bountiful harvests and abundant freedoms. Let us call upon Him for continued guidance and assistance in all our endeavors. And let us ever be mindful of the faith and spiritual values that have made our Nation great and that alone can keep us great . ... ”
1994: President William J. Clinton
“As the end of another year draws closer, we are again filled with thankfulness for the blessings of a fruitful land . ...
“It is our great fortune to live in a country of abundance and promise — a land of freedom for all. Still only a few generations removed from our Nation’s founders, we continue to blaze a trail toward stability and justice. Aspiring to lift ourselves closer to God’s grace, we remain determined to ease the pain of the many people who know only poverty and despair. Clearly, ours is an unfinished journey.
“Our destination must be to create the means for every one of us to prosper, to enjoy sound education, meaningful work experience, protective health care, and personal security. It is our responsibility to prompt the national conscience so that by fostering virtue, wisdom, and moral values, we rejoice in our growth as a people . ... ”
2001: President George W. Bush
“Nearly half a century ago, President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed Thanksgiving as a time when Americans should celebrate “the plentiful yield of our soil . . . the beauty of our land . . . the preservation of those ideals of liberty and justice that form the basis of our national life, and the hope of international peace.” Now, in the painful aftermath of the September 11 attacks and in the midst of our resolute war on terrorism, President Eisenhower’s hopeful words point us to our collective obligation to defend the enduring principles of freedom that form the foundation of our Republic.
“... As we recover from the terrible tragedies of September 11, Americans of every belief and heritage give thanks to God for the many blessings we enjoy as a free, faithful, and fair-minded land. Let us particularly give thanks for the selfless sacrifices of those who responded in service to others after the terrorist attacks, setting aside their own safety as they reached out to help their neighbors. And let us give thanks for the millions of people of faith who have opened their hearts to those in need with love and prayer, bringing us a deeper unity and stronger resolve . ... ”
2012: President Barack H. Obama
“Many Thanksgivings have offered opportunities to celebrate community during times of hardship . ... When our Nation was torn by bitterness and civil war, President Abraham Lincoln reminded us that we were, at heart, one Nation, sharing a bond as Americans that could bend but would not break. Those expressions of unity still echo today ...
“As we reflect on our proud heritage, let us also give thanks to those who honor it by giving back. This Thanksgiving, thousands of our men and women in uniform will sit down for a meal far from their loved ones and the comforts of home. We honor their service and sacrifice. We also show our appreciation to Americans who are serving in their communities, ensuring their neighbors have a hot meal and a place to stay. Their actions reflect our age-old belief that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, and they affirm once more that we are a people who draw our deepest strength not from might or wealth, but from our bonds to each other . ... ”
2019: President Donald J. Trump
“... Since the first settlers to call our country home landed on American shores, we have always been defined by our resilience and propensity to show gratitude even in the face of great adversity, always remembering the blessings we have been given in spite of the hardships we endure. This Thanksgiving, we pause and acknowledge those who will have empty seats at their table. We ask God to watch over our service members, especially those whose selfless commitment to serving our country and defending our sacred liberty has called them to duty overseas during the holiday season. We also pray for our law enforcement officials and first responders as they carry out their duties to protect and serve our communities. As a Nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to both those who take an oath to safeguard us and our way of life as well as to their families, and we salute them for their immeasurable sacrifices . ...
“United together as one people, in gratitude for the freedoms and prosperity that thrive across our land, we acknowledge God as the source of all good gifts . ... ”