Presidential proclamations highlight Thanksgiving's historical significance

In the United States, since George Washington’s first Thanksgiving proclamation in 1789, all American presidents have continued the tradition of issuing formal declarations of gratitude each year. Washington's proclamation on November 26 called for a day devoted to thanking the 'beneficent Author of all the good' that had protected the nation during its formative years. Over 160 Thanksgiving proclamations have been recorded, each reflecting the national sentiment during its time. For instance, Abraham Lincoln's proclamation in 1863 provided a poignant backdrop to the Civil War, illustrating the country's struggles. Recent proclamations by presidents, such as George W. Bush and Donald Trump, have connected Thanksgiving to contemporary issues, emphasizing the importance of reflection and gratitude, unified under a common theme of national resilience and hope.