....a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Words that were applicable 30 years ago, 150 years ago, and 300 years ago....and, even  today. 

Since the Pilgrims observed the initial Thanksgiving holiday in 1621, this
occasion has served as a singular expression of the transcending spiritual
values that played an instrumental part in the founding of our country.
One hundred and twenty years ago, in the midst of a great and terrible civil
conflict, President Lincoln formally proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving
to remind those “insensible to the ever watchful providence of almighty God” of
this Nation’s bounty and greatness. Several days after the dedication of the
Gettysburg battlefield, the United States celebrated its first national  

Thanksgiving. Every year since then, our Nation has faithfully continued this
tradition. The time has come once again to proclaim a day of thanksgiving, an
occasion for Americans to express gratitude to their God and their country.
In his remarks at Gettysburg, President Lincoln referred to ours as a Nation
“under God.” We rejoice in the fact that, while we have maintained separate
institutions of church and state over our 200 years of freedom, we have at the
same time preserved reverence for spiritual beliefs. Although we are a
pluralistic society, the giving of thanks can be a true bond of unity among our
people. We can unite in gratitude for our individual freedoms and individual
faiths. We can be united in gratitude for our Nation’s peace and prosperity when
so many in this world have neither. 

As was written in the first Thanksgiving Proclamation 120 years ago, “No human
counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.
They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God.” God has blessed America and
her people, and it is appropriate we recognize this bounty. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, in
the spirit of the Pilgrims, President Lincoln, and all succeeding Presidents, do
hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 1983, as a National Day of Thanksgiving,
and I call upon Americans to affirm this day of thanks by their prayers and
their gratitude for the many blessings upon this land and its people. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of
September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.

Happy Thanksgiving, to you and yours! Count your Blessings, one by one, not just today, but  each and every day!