[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 28, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 61109-61110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25982]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 229 / Wednesday, November 28, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 61109]]

                Proclamation 9827 of November 20, 2018

                
Thanksgiving Day, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On Thanksgiving Day, we recall the courageous and 
                inspiring journey of the Pilgrims who, nearly four 
                centuries ago, ventured across the vast ocean to flee 
                religious persecution and establish a home in the New 
                World. They faced illness, harsh conditions, and 
                uncertainty, as they trusted in God for a brighter 
                future. The more than 100 Pilgrims who arrived at 
                Plymouth, Massachusetts, on the Mayflower, instilled in 
                our Nation a strong faith in God that continues to be a 
                beacon of hope to all Americans. Thanksgiving Day is a 
                time to pause and to reflect, with family and friends, 
                on our heritage and the sacrifices of our forebearers 
                who secured the blessings of liberty for an 
                independent, free, and united country.

                After surviving a frigid winter and achieving their 
                first successful harvest in 1621, the Pilgrims set 
                aside 3 days to feast and give thanks for God's 
                abundant mercy and blessings. Members of the Wampanoag 
                tribe--who had taught the Pilgrims how to farm in New 
                England and helped them adjust and thrive in that new 
                land--shared in the bounty and celebration. In 
                recognition of that historic event, President George 
                Washington, in 1789, issued a proclamation declaring 
                the first national day of thanksgiving. He called upon 
                the people of the United States to unite in rendering 
                unto God our sincere and humble gratitude ``for his 
                kind care and protection of the People of this 
                Country'' and ``the favorable interpositions of his 
                Providence.'' President Abraham Lincoln revived this 
                tradition as our fractured Nation endured the horrors 
                of the Civil War. Ever since, we have set aside this 
                day to give special thanks to God for the many 
                blessings, gifts, and love he has bestowed on us and 
                our country.

                This Thanksgiving, as we gather in places of worship 
                and around tables surrounded by loved ones, in humble 
                gratitude for the bountiful gifts we have received, let 
                us keep in close memory our fellow Americans who have 
                faced hardship and tragedy this year. In the spirit of 
                generosity and compassion, let us joyfully reach out in 
                word and deed, and share our time and resources 
                throughout our communities. Let us also find ways to 
                give to the less fortunate--whether it be in the form 
                of sharing a hearty meal, extending a helping hand, or 
                providing words of encouragement.

                We are especially reminded on Thanksgiving of how the 
                virtue of gratitude enables us to recognize, even in 
                adverse situations, the love of God in every person, 
                every creature, and throughout nature. Let us be 
                mindful of the reasons we are grateful for our lives, 
                for those around us, and for our communities. We also 
                commit to treating all with charity and mutual respect, 
                spreading the spirit of Thanksgiving throughout our 
                country and across the world.

                Today, we particularly acknowledge the sacrifices of 
                our service members, law enforcement personnel, and 
                first responders who selflessly serve and protect our 
                Nation. This Thanksgiving, more than 200,000 brave 
                American patriots will spend the holiday overseas, away 
                from their loved ones. Because of the men and women in 
                uniform who volunteer to defend our liberty, we are 
                able to enjoy the splendor of the American life. We 
                pray for their safety, and for the families who await 
                their return.

[[Page 61110]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 
                22, 2018, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I 
                encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places 
                of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our 
                many blessings.

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

[FR Doc. 2018-25982
Filed 11-27-18; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F9-P