For many, the day has become little more than a time for overeating, watching football, arguing with relatives and planning their assault on the bastions of retail the day following.
But the origin of the day is rooted in giving thanks to God, plain and simple.
And though many there be who deny it, this is an historical reality, the evidence of which is George Washington's original Thanksgiving proclamation written on October 3rd, 1789.
To wit:
By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.
Whereas 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--
and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be--
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be--
That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--
for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--
for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--
for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--
for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--
for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--
to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--
to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--
to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--
To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--
and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
Go: Washington
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
Go: Washington
So Happy Thanksgiving, y'all...hope it's a good one for you and yours.
My friend Larry is up north for Thanksgiving with his family, and also doing some deer hunting...and he sent me this pic of what he's seen so far:
...but the problem is he needs to put on his X-mas X-ray glasses...
...and then he'd see this:
...big difference, yes?
(note: do NOT shoot Yukon Cornelius)
Papa's Model T: The Bambino is coming along...
...Ike and Papa X are currently visiting 1916 and dealing with issues there...I'm at 10,000 words and counting, which means we're more than halfway through.
Hoping to bring it in for a landing in the next week or so.
And speaking of coming in for a landing...
...we've managed to negotiate another wildly successful edition of the Atomic Monster Cafe.
Hey, don't let the photographic evidence to the contrary fool you.
As Groucho Marx famously asked, who are you going to believe? Me, or your own eyes?
later, mcm fans...
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