[Rhodes22-list] Barack Obama's 2010 Thanksgiving Proclamation

[BenCittadino]

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 23, 2010
Presidential Proclamation--Thanksgiving Day

      A beloved American tradition, Thanksgiving Day offers us the
opportunity to focus our thoughts on the grace that has been extended to our
people and our country.  This spirit brought together the newly arrived
Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe -- who had been living and thriving around
Plymouth, Massachusetts for thousands of years -- in an autumn harvest feast
centuries ago.  This Thanksgiving Day, we reflect on the compassion and
contributions of Native Americans, whose skill in agriculture helped the
early colonists survive, and whose rich culture continues to add to our
Nation's heritage.  We also pause our normal pursuits on this day and join
in a spirit of fellowship and gratitude for the year's bounties and
blessings.

      Thanksgiving Day is a time each year, dating back to our founding,
when we lay aside the troubles and disagreements of the day and bow our
heads in humble recognition of the providence bestowed upon our Nation. 
Amidst the uncertainty of a fledgling experiment in democracy, President
George Washington declared the first Thanksgiving in America, recounting the
blessings of tranquility, union, and plenty that shined upon our young
country.  In the dark days of the Civil War when the fate of our Union was
in doubt, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a Thanksgiving Day, calling
for "the Almighty hand" to heal and restore our Nation.

      In confronting the challenges of our day, we must draw strength from
the resolve of previous generations who faced their own struggles and take
comfort in knowing a brighter day has always dawned on our great land.  As
we stand at the close of one year and look to the promise of the next, we
lift up our hearts in gratitude to God for our many blessings, for one
another, and for our Nation.  This Thanksgiving Day, we remember that the
freedoms and security we enjoy as Americans are protected by the brave men
and women of the United States Armed Forces.  These patriots are willing to
lay down their lives in our defense, and they and their families deserve our
profound gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

      This harvest season, we are also reminded of those experiencing the
pangs of hunger or the hardship of economic insecurity.  Let us return the
kindness and generosity we have seen throughout the year by helping our
fellow citizens weather the storms of our day.

      As Americans gather for the time-honored Thanksgiving Day meal, let us
rejoice in the abundance that graces our tables, in the simple gifts that
mark our days, in the loved ones who enrich our lives, and in the gifts of a
gracious God.  Let us recall that our forebears met their challenges with
hope and an unfailing spirit, and let us resolve to do the same.

      NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 2010,
as a National Day of Thanksgiving.  I encourage all the people of the United
States to come together -- whether in our homes, places of worship,
community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors --
to give thanks for all we have received in the past year, to express
appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and to share our bounty
with others.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day
of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-fifth.

              BARACK OBAMA


I have posted the foregoing not to compete with the GW proclamation but to
close the loop to date in our great country and wish you all a Happy
Thanksgiving. 

BenCittadino
s/v Susan Kay
 ...spending a thankful Thanksgiving Holiday in Norfolk, VA with my son LCDR
and Naval Aviator Ben (w/ VFA- 83 Rampagers) and my Grandson Ben and my
son's wife and Grandson's Mom, Helen. 

 

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