In 1620 the Pilgrims set foot in their New World and over the next year suffered a harsh winter with much sickness. However, with the help of Indians, they survived and reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer. The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends.
One hundred and sixty years later, America celebrated its first Day of Thanksgiving under its new constitution with George Washington as president. He intended the day to be one of prayer and giving thanks to God.
President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving. His emotional proclamation was delivered just four months after the Battle of Gettysburg occurred, resulting in the loss of 60,000 American lives. Excerpts of his humbling proclamation read:
To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God... They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.
Franklin D Roosevelt's entire proclamation in 1940 was a prayer to Almighty God. In 1941 he began his proclamation with "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord" and in 1943 the first sentence is "God’s help to us has been great in this year of march towards world-wide liberty."
Ronald Reagan in 1981 stated "In keeping with America’s heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to God for all of His blessings." In 1982 Reagan stated "Let us reaffirm through prayers and actions our thankfulness for America’s bounty and heritage."
Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2009 where one finds the most humanist proclamation ever given by any president. Obama doesn't call on Americans to serve and give thanks to God, but instead to serve our nation and community. An excerpt from his irreverent proclamation:
This is a time for us to renew our bonds with one another, and we can fulfill that commitment by serving our communities and our nation throughout the year. In doing so, we pay tribute to our country's men and women in uniform who set an example of service that inspires us all. Let us be guided by the legacy of those who have fought for the freedoms for which we give thanks, and be worthy heirs to the noble tradition of goodwill shown on this day.
Not once does he give his thanks to God, or even acknowledge God. He completely ignores the meaning and true origination of Thanksgiving. Obama seems to acknowledge that our freedoms and liberties are because of the military, not God.
Obama's last request in this self-centered proclamation is "I encourage all the people of the United States to come together, whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place where family, friends and neighbors may gather, with gratitude 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." Another push to spread the wealth while giving gratitude to the ones that share with us. Because apparently God has nothing to do with Mr. Obama's blessings.
To read the full transcript of his speech, visit this page.
(photo by Jennie Brownscombe. Painting is in Pilgrim Hall)
Comments
Good! God has no place in government and a political figure should never promote a religion, or any religion, on the public's dime. 10-15% of the country count themselves as having no religion and it's high time that we're recognized and respected.
Atheists daily must face the illusion that 'godlessness' is equal to 'immoral,' and it's simply not true. For a public figure to recognize that, yet not insult those who do believe in ghosts and gods, he must be a masterful uniter and that's exactly what President Obama is.
The separation of church and state is vital to the promotion of freedom both of and from religion. If the religious right doesn't want to the government to interfere with their church they must accept that religion may not be involved in government at all. Not in legislative decisions, not on our national monuments and not even from the president's mouth on Thanksgiving.
Good Reason News: Just an FYI - God is not a religion - He is who made you - and me - and this whole universe!! Better go back to school, my friend.
"It is the duty of 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 favour."
-George Washington
"Liberty is the highest political end of man ...[but] no country can be free without religion."
-Lord Acton
"the national government cannot destroy the laws [establishing official State religions] of each State"
-The Danbury Baptists, in letter to (and in agreement with) President Thomas Jefferson
"It is the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons, to worship the SUPREME BEING, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping GOD in the manner most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship."
-John Adams
A nit...
Ms. Avery writes, "Not once does he [Obama] give his thanks to God, or even acknowledge God. He completely ignores the meaning and true origination of Thanksgiving. Obama seems to acknowledge that our freedoms and liberties are because of the military, not God."
However, although Obama did not thank God, he did quote President Washington thanking God, and he did also vaguely acknowledge Jesus Christ (though not by name), at the end, in the customary form of date: "In the year of our Lord, 2009..."
oBAMA is nothing more than a dirt bag and he's more of a masterful divider not uniter he's more like a socialist than an american.It's just to bad that theres to many idiots that think otherwise and will more than likely reelect the scum-bag.
It's time to face the fact that there is only one Almighty being persecuted in this world, like never before. Why is that? Why is there so much proof in the Bible, yet they World's ears fall deaf, and their eyes remain shut? When you curse, who's name do you defile? God is real. Religions are not all the same, and many have deliberately missed the mark. A true place for God is in the center of our lives, not in the backseat. And do not be ashamed, ever, that you believe!!! God has every right to be in politics. Why would you want a defiant sinner writing your policy and laws? I'd rather have an elected, Bible believing, man or woman who prays to the one true God for guidence in everything he or she does. So, yes, God has a place in all aspects of our lives. When he was the center of all things, our nation was the stronges, the most free, the most prosperous, the most intelligent, the safest, and the nation with the most honor. Believe in the words of the Constitution!
Nothing he does surprises me. He makes me sick. Hurry up 2012!!
Are there only religous nutsacks left in the United States? I get the impression that there are not many atheists left over there. Some of these comments make me shiver.
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