[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7963--NOV. 18, 2005
Proclamation 7963 of November 18, 2005
Thanksgiving Day, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Thanksgiving Day is a time to remember our many blessings and to
celebrate the opportunities that freedom affords. Explorers and settlers
arriving in this land often gave thanks for the extraordinary plenty
they

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found. And today, we remain grateful to live in a country of liberty and
abundance. We give thanks for the love of family and friends, and we ask
God to continue to watch over America.
This Thanksgiving, we pray and express thanks for the men and women who
work to keep America safe and secure. Members of our Armed Forces, State
and local law enforcement, and first responders embody our Nation's
highest ideals of courage and devotion to duty. Our country is grateful
for their service and for the support and sacrifice of their families.
We ask God's special blessings on those who have lost loved ones in the
line of duty.
We also remember those affected by the destruction of natural disasters.
Their tremendous determination to recover their lives exemplifies the
American spirit, and we are grateful for those across our Nation who
answered the cries of their neighbors in need and provided them with
food, shelter, and a helping hand. We ask for continued strength and
perseverance as we work to rebuild these communities and return hope to
our citizens.
We give thanks to live in a country where freedom reigns, justice
prevails, and hope prospers. We recognize that America is a better place
when we answer the universal call to love a neighbor and help those in
need. May God bless and guide the United States of America as we move
forward.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24,
2005, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to
gather together in their homes and places of worship with family,
friends, and loved ones to reinforce the ties that bind us and give
thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH