Thanksgiving Day, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and express gratitude for
all that we have been given, the freedoms we enjoy, and the loved ones who enrich our lives. We
recognize that all of these blessings, and life itself, come not from the hand of man but from Almighty
God. Every Thanksgiving, we remember the story of the Pilgrims who came to America in search of
religious freedom and a better life. Having arrived in the New World, these early settlers gave
thanks to the Author of Life for granting them safe passage to this abundant land and protecting
them through a bitter winter. Our Nation's first President, George Washington, stated in the first
Thanksgiving proclamation that "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." While in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition of
proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, asking God to heal our wounds and restore our country. Today,
as we look back on the beginnings of our democracy, Americans recall that we live in a land of many
blessings where every person has the right to live, work, and worship in freedom. Our Nation is
especially thankful for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who protect these rights while
setting aside their own comfort and safety. Their courage keeps us free, their sacrifice makes us
grateful, and their character makes us proud. Especially during the holidays, our whole country
keeps them and their families in our thoughts and prayers. Americans are also mindful of the need
to share our gifts with others, and our Nation is moved to compassionate action. We pay tribute
to all caring citizens who reach out a helping hand and serve a cause larger than themselves.
On this day, let us all give thanks to God who blessed our Nation's first days and who blesses us
today. May He continue to guide and watch over our families and our country always. 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 November 27, 2008, 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 strengthen 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 twenty-first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W BUSH
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