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George Washington, the first President and Founding Father of the United States, played a crucial role in shaping Thanksgiving as a national tradition, though it wasn't yet established as a fixed annual holiday during his time. His leadership in this regard set the foundation for the Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate today. Here's a breakdown of his contributions:
George Washington's Role in Thanksgiving
First National Thanksgiving Proclamation (1789):
On October 3, 1789, George Washington issued the first-ever national proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving in the United States.
This proclamation came shortly after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, a milestone Washington viewed as a unifying event for the new nation.
He declared Thursday, November 26, 1789, a day for Americans to give thanks to God for the blessings of independence, peace, and the opportunity to establish a free government and our Constitution.
Purpose of the Proclamation:
Washington called on citizens to:
Acknowledge their gratitude to "Almighty God" for His providence in the nation's founding.
Express thankfulness for peace, prosperity, and the new Constitution.
Seek guidance and protection for the future of the nation.
The tone of the proclamation reflected Washington's belief in the importance of civic virtue, religious faith, and national unity.
Leadership in Setting a Precedent:
Washington's proclamation established the idea that Thanksgiving could be a national event rather than just a regional or religious observance.
It set a precedent for future presidents to designate days of thanksgiving during times of national significance.
Abraham Lincoln makes Thanksgiving a National Holiday
Although Washington's 1789 proclamation was significant, Thanksgiving did not become an annual holiday during his presidency.
Subsequent presidents, including John Adams and James Madison, issued similar proclamations on an ad hoc basis, but there was no consistent tradition.
It wasn't until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln institutionalized Thanksgiving as an annual national holiday, largely influenced by the efforts of writer Sarah Josepha Hale.
Legacy of Washington's Actions
Washington's proclamation is a key moment in the history of Thanksgiving because it represented the first time a U.S. president formally called for a nationwide day of gratitude. His efforts highlighted the importance of unity, reflection, and thanksgiving in the national identity of the United States, setting a tone that would resonate with future leaders and eventually lead to the formal establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Join The 917 Society as we work to educate our youth about our Constitution and Founding Principles at www.917society.org.
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