[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9063--NOV. 26, 2013

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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA