[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

120 STAT. 3919
 
PROCLAMATION 8085--NOV. 16, 2006



Proclamation 8085 of November 16, 2006
Thanksgiving Day, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As Americans gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving
Day, we give thanks for the many ways that our Nation and our people
have been blessed.
The Thanksgiving tradition dates back to the earliest days of our
society, celebrated in decisive moments in our history and in quiet
times around family tables. Nearly four centuries have passed since
early settlers gave thanks for their safe arrival and pilgrims enjoyed a
harvest feast to thank God for allowing them to survive a harsh winter
in the New World. General George Washington observed Thanksgiving during
the Revolutionary War, and in his first proclamation after becoming
President, he declared November 26, 1789, a national day of
``thanksgiving and prayer.'' During the Civil War, President Abraham
Lincoln revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving,
reminding a divided Nation of its founding ideals.
At this time of great promise for America, we are grateful for the
freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and defended by our Armed Forces
throughout the generations. Today, many of these courageous men and
women are securing our peace in places far from home, and we pay tribute
to them and to their families for their service, sacrifice, and
strength. We also honor the families of the fallen and lift them up in
our prayers.
Our citizens are privileged to live in the world's freest country, where
the hope of the American dream is within the reach of every person.
Americans share a desire to answer the universal call to serve something
greater than ourselves, and we see this spirit every day in the millions
of volunteers throughout our country who bring hope and healing to those
in need. On this Thanksgiving Day, and throughout the year, let us show
our gratitude for the blessings of freedom, family, and faith, and may
God continue to bless America.
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 23,
2006, 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 sixteenth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH