[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 116 (Tuesday, September 26, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H8067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SEPTEMBER 26, A NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, on this day, September 26, 1780, 220 years 
ago, the treason attempt of American General Benedict Arnold was 
discovered. General Washington reported to Congress, ``Treason of the 
blackest dye was yesterday discovered. General Arnold, who commanded at 
West Point, was about to deliver up that important post into the hands 
of the enemy. Such an event must have given the American cause a deadly 
wound if not a fatal stab. Happily, the treason has been timely 
discovered to prevent the fatal misfortune. The providential train of 
circumstances which led to it affords the most convincing proof that 
the liberties of America are the object of Divine protection.''
  As a result, Congress called for a national day of prayer and 
thanksgiving, declaring in the resolution, ``It hath pleased Almighty 
God, the Father of all mercies, to rescue the person of our Commander-
in-Chief and the army from imminent dangers at the moment when treason 
was ripened for execution. It is therefore recommended to the several 
States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.''
  On this day, 220 years ago, Congress called on the people of the 
United States to openly thank God for protecting America, a lesson we 
should still remember today.

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