[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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

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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.
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.
DONALD J. TRUMP