[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 231 (Monday, December 2, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 72531-72532]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28993]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 231 / Monday, December 2, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 72531]]


                Proclamation 9063 of November 26, 2013

                
Thanksgiving Day, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Thanksgiving offers each of us the chance to count our 
                many blessings--the freedoms we enjoy, the time we 
                spend with loved ones, the brave men and women who 
                defend our Nation at home and abroad. This tradition 
                reminds us that no matter what our background or 
                beliefs, no matter who we are or who we love, at our 
                core we are first and foremost Americans.

                Our annual celebration has roots in centuries-old 
                colonial customs. When we gather around the table, we 
                follow the example of the Pilgrims and Wampanoags, who 
                shared the fruits of a successful harvest nearly 400 
                years ago. When we offer our thanks, we mirror those 
                who set aside a day of prayer. And when we join with 
                friends and neighbors to alleviate suffering and make 
                our communities whole, we honor the spirit of President 
                Abraham Lincoln, who called on his fellow citizens to 
                ``fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty 
                hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore 
                it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine 
                purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, 
                tranquility, and union.''

                Our country has always been home to Americans who 
                recognize the importance of giving back. Today, we 
                honor all those serving our Nation far from home. We 
                also thank the first responders and medical 
                professionals who work through the holiday to keep us 
                safe, and we acknowledge the volunteers who dedicate 
                this day to those less fortunate.

                This Thanksgiving Day, let us forge deeper connections 
                with our loved ones. Let us extend our gratitude and 
                our compassion. And let us lift each other up and 
                recognize, in the oldest spirit of this tradition, that 
                we rise or fall as one Nation, under God.

                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 
                28, 2013, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I 
                encourage the people of the United States to join 
                together--whether in our homes, places of worship, 
                community centers, or any place of fellowship for 
                friends and neighbors--and give thanks for all we have 
                received in the past year, express appreciation to 
                those whose lives enrich our own, and share our bounty 
                with others.

[[Page 72532]]

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

[FR Doc. 2013-28993
Filed 11-29-13; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F4