[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 226 (Wednesday, November 25, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62199-62200]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28485]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 226 / Wednesday, November 25, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62199]]


                Proclamation 8458 of November 20, 2009

                
Thanksgiving Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                What began as a harvest celebration between European 
                settlers and indigenous communities nearly four 
                centuries ago has become our cherished tradition of 
                Thanksgiving. This day's roots are intertwined with 
                those of our Nation, and its history traces the 
                American narrative.

                Today, we recall President George Washington, who 
                proclaimed our first national day of public 
                thanksgiving to be observed ``by acknowledging with 
                grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty 
                God,'' and President Abraham Lincoln, who established 
                our annual Thanksgiving Day to help mend a fractured 
                Nation in the midst of civil war. We also recognize the 
                contributions of Native Americans, who helped the early 
                colonists survive their first harsh winter and continue 
                to strengthen our Nation. From our earliest days of 
                independence, and in times of tragedy and triumph, 
                Americans have come together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

                As Americans, we hail from every part of the world. 
                While we observe traditions from every culture, 
                Thanksgiving Day is a unique national tradition we all 
                share. Its spirit binds us together as one people, each 
                of us thankful for our common blessings.

                As we gather once again among loved ones, let us also 
                reach out to our neighbors and fellow citizens in need 
                of a helping hand. 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.

                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 
                26, 2009, 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 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.

[[Page 62200]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twentieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-28485
Filed 11-24-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P