5 notable presidential Thanksgiving proclamations

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Thursday, November 28, 2019

George W. Bush (2001)

Former President George W. Bush giving remarks at the funeral of his father, former President George H.W. Bush, at Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. | YouTube/Washington Post

President George W. Bush issued his first Thanksgiving proclamation not long after the events of 9/11, acknowledging the tragedy in his declaration.

“During these extraordinary times, we find particular assurance from our Thanksgiving tradition, which reminds us that we, as a people and individually, always have reason to hope and trust in God, despite great adversity,” read the proclamation.

“As we recover from the terrible tragedies of September 11, Americans of every belief and heritage give thanks to God for the many blessings we enjoy as a free, faithful, and fair-minded land. Let us particularly give thanks for the self-less sacrifices of those who responded in service to others after the terrorist attacks, setting aside their own safety as they reached out to help their neighbors.”