BoatBanter.com - Kerry really concedes

Gould, in the past I have accussed you putting blinders on, if the facts do
not fit your view of the world. You are now rewriting history to suite
your political agenda. The real history of Thanksgiving is below:

General George Washington and his army, as instructed by the Continental
Congress, stopped in bitter weather in the open fields on their way to
Valley Forge. And, Washington, as the nation's first President, declared
November 26, 1789, as a national day of "thanksgiving and prayer." A few
months after his inauguration, Washington issued "Presidential Proclamation
Number One", his Thanksgiving as the first President. He voiced his personal
conviction that "it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence
of Almighty God."

During the colonial regime Thanksgiving proved to be a significant event in
promoting national unity. The first issue of the First Continental Congress
as they met at Carpenters Hall was "Can we open the business with prayer?"
Despite their diversity of religions, after fierce debate, inspired by
delegate Sam Adams, their first official act was prayer - with remarkable
results. From the first day, miraculous unity seemed to have held the
far-flung colonies together.

Abraham Lincoln made the last Thursday in Nov. a National Holiday in 1863.
Roosevelt changed the National Holiday to the 4th Thursday 'in November.
Below I have copied Lincoln's Proclamation and all Proclamations from 1940
to 1949. You will see in every proclamation they are giving thanks and pray
to GOD.

Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation for the national day of Thanksgiving said:
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the
blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which
are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which
they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature,
that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is
habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In
the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has
sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their
aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been
maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has
prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that
theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of
the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of
peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the
shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements,
and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have
yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily
increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the
siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness
of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years
with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these
great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while
dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently
and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole
American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of
the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are
sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of
November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father
who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up
the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and
blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness
and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become
widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in
which we are unavoidably engaged, and 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, tranquillity and Union. "

THANKSGIVING DAY - 1940
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
I, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, President of the United States of America, do
hereby designate Thursday, the twenty-first day of November 1940, to be
observed nationally as a day of thanksgiving.
In a year which has seen calamity and sorrow fall upon many peoples
elsewhere in the world may we give thanks for our preservation.
On the same day, in the same hour, let us pray:
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly
beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy
favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry,
sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and
confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our
liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither
out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to
whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be
justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to Thy law, we may
show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of
prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble,
suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; Amen.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this 9th day of November, in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred and forty, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and sixty-fifth.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

THANKSGIVING DAY - 1941
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
I, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, President of the United States of America, do
hereby designate and set aside Thursday, the twentieth day of November 1941,
as a day to be observed in giving thanks to the Heavenly Source of our
earthly blessings.
Our beloved country is free and strong. Our moral and physical defenses
against the forces of threatened aggression are mounting daily in magnitude
and effectiveness.
In the interest of our own future, we are sending succor at increasing pace
to those peoples abroad who are bravely defending their homes and their
precious liberties against annihilation.
We have not lost our faith in the spiritual dignity of man, our proud belief
in the right of all people to live out their lives in freedom and with equal
treatment. The love of democracy still burns brightly in our hearts.
We are grateful to the Father of us all for the innumerable daily
manifestations of His beneficent mercy in affairs both public and private,
for the bounties of the harvest, for opportunities to labor and to serve,
and for the continuation of those homely joys and satisfactions which enrich
our lives.
Let us ask the Divine Blessing on our decision and determination to protect
our way of life against the forces of evil and slavery which seek in these
days to encompass us.
On the day appointed for this purpose, let us reflect at our homes or places
of worship on the goodness of God and, in giving thanks, let us ray for a
speedy end to strife and the establishment on earth of freedom, brotherhood,
and justice for enduring time.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this 8th day of November, in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred and forty-one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and sixty-sixth.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

PROCLAMATION 2571
DAYS OF PRAYER : THANKSGIVING DAY AND NEW YEAR'S DAY
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord." Across the uncertain ways
of space and time our hearts echo those words, for the days are with us
again when, at the gathering of the harvest, we solemnly express our
dependence upon Almighty God.
The final months of this year, now almost spent, find our Republic and the
nations joined with it waging a battle on many fronts for the preservation
of liberty.
In giving thanks for the greatest harvest in the history of our nation, we
who plant and reap can well resolve that in the year to come we will do all
in our power to pass that milestone; for by our labors in the fields we can
share some part of the sacrifice with our brothers and sons who wear the
uniform of the United States.
It is fitting that we recall now the reverent words of George Washington,
"Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United
States in Thy holy protection," and that every American in his own way lift
his voice to Heaven.
I recommend that all of us bear in mind this great Psalm:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the
still waters.
He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me I the paths of righteousness for
his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Inspired with faith and courage by these words, let us turn again to the
work that confronts us in this time of national emergency : in the armed
services and the merchant marine; in factories and offices; on farms and in
the mines; on highways, railways and airways; in other places of public
service to the Nation; and in our homes.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, President of the United States of
America, do hereby invite the attention of the people to the joint
resolution of Congress approved December 26, 1941, which designates the
fourth Thursday in November of each year as thanksgiving Day' and I request
that both Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1942, and New Year's Day, January
1, 1943, be observed in prayer, publicly and privately.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this eleventh day of November, in the year of
our Lord nineteen hundred and forty-two, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the one hundred and sixty-seventh.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

THANKSGIVING DAY, 1943
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
God's help to us has been great in this year of march towards world-wide
liberty. In brotherhood with warriors of other United Nations our gallant
men have won victories, have freed our homes from fear, have made tyranny
tremble, and have laid the foundation for freedom of life in a world which
will be free.
Our forges and hearths and mills have wrought well; and our weapons have not
failed. Our farmers, victory gardeners, and crop volunteers have gathered
and stored a heavy harvest in the barns and bins and cellars. Our total food
production for the year is the greatest in the annals of our country.
For all these things we are devoutly thankful, knowing also that so great
mercies exact from us the greatest measure of sacrifice and service.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, President of the United States of
America, do hereby designate Thursday, November 25, 1943, as a day for
expressing our thanks to God for His blessings. November having been set
aside as "Food Fights for Freedom" month, it is fitting that Thanksgiving
Day be made the culmination of the observance of the month by a high resolve
on the part of all to produce and save food and to "share and play square"
with food.
May we on Thanksgiving Day and on every day express our gratitude and
zealously devote ourselves to our duties as individuals and as a nation. May
each of us dedicate his utmost efforts to speeding the victory which will
bring new opportunities for peace and brotherhood among men.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this 11th day of November, in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred and forty-three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and sixty-eighth.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

THANKSGIVING DAY, 1944
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
In this year of liberation, which has seen so many millions freed from
tyrannical rule, it is fitting that we give thanks with special fervor to
our Heavenly Father for the mercies we have received individually and as a
nation and for the blessings He has restored, through the victories of our
arms and those of our allies, to His children in other lands.
For the preservation of our way of life from the threat of destruction; for
the unity of spirit which has kept our Nation strong; for our abiding faith
in freedom; and for the promise of an enduring peace, we should lift up our
hearts in thanksgiving.
For the harvest that has sustained us and, in its fullness, brought succor
to other peoples; for the bounty of our soil, which has produced the sinews
of war for the protection of our liberties; and for a multitude of private
blessings, known only in our hearts, we should give united thanks to God.
To the end that we may bear more earnest witness to our gratitude to
Almighty God, I suggest a nationwide reading of the Holy Scriptures during
the period from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas. Let every man of every creed
go to his own version of the Scriptures for a renewed and strengthening
contact with those eternal truths and majestic principles which have
inspired such measure of true greatness as this nation has achieved.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, President of the United States of
America, in consonance with the joint resolution of the Congress approved
December 26, 1941, do hereby proclaim Thursday the twenty-third day of
November 1944 a day of national thanksgiving; and I call upon the people of
the United States to observe it by bending every effort to hasten the day of
final victory and by offering to God our devout gratitude for His goodness
to us and to our fellow men.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this first day of November in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred and forty-four and of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and sixty-ninth.
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

THANKSGIVING DAY, 1945
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
In this year of our victory, absolute and final, over German fascism and
Japanese militarism; in this time of peace so long awaited, which we are
determined with all the United Nations to make permanent; on this day of our
abundance, strength, and achievement; let us give thanks to Almighty
Providence for these exceeding blessings.
We have won them with the courage and the blood of our soldiers, sailors,
and airmen. We have won them by the sweat and ingenuity of our workers,
farmers, engineers, and industrialists. We have won them with the devotion
of our women and children. We have bought them with the treasure of our rich
land. But above all we have won them because we cherish freedom beyond
riches and even more than life itself.
We give thanks with the humility of free men, each knowing it was the might
of no one arm but of all together by which we were saved. Liberty knows no
race, creed, or class in our country or in the world. In unity we found our
first weapon, for without it, both here and abroad, we were doomed. None
have known this better than our very gallant dead, none better than their
comrade, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Our thanksgiving has the humility of our
deep mourning for them, our vast gratitude to them.
Triumph over the enemy has not dispelled every difficulty. Many vital and
far-reaching decisions await us as we strive for a just and enduring peace.
We will not fail if we preserve, in our own land and throughout the world,
that same devotion to the essential freedoms and rights of mankind which
sustained us throughout the war and brought us final victory.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY S. TRUMAN, President of the United States of
America, in consonance with the joint resolution of Congress approved
December 26, 1941, do hereby proclaim Thursday November 22, 1945, as a day
of national thanksgiving. May we on that day, in our homes and in our places
of worship, individually and as groups, express our humble thanks to
Almighty God for the abundance of our blessings and may we on that occasion
rededicate ourselves to those high principles of citizenship for which so
many splendid Americans have recently given all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington 12th day of November in the year of our Lord
one thousand nine hundred forty-five and of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and seventieth.
HARRY S. TRUMAN

THANKSGIVING DAY, 1946
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
At this season, when the year is drawing to a close, tradition suggests and
our hearts require that we render humble devotion to Almighty God for the
mercies bestowed upon us by His goodness.
Devoutly grateful to Divine Providence for the richness of our endowment and
the many blessings received, may we continue to give a good account of our
stewardship by utilizing our resources in the service of mankind. May we
have the vision and courage to accept and discharge honorably the
responsibilities inherent in our strength by consecrating ourselves to the
attainment of a better world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY S. TRUMAN, President of the United States of
America, in consonance with the joint resolution of Congress approved
December 26, 1941, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 28, 1946, as a day
of national thanksgiving; and I call upon the people of this Nation to
observe that day by offering thanks to God for the bounties vouchsafed us,
and by rededicating ourselves to the preservation of the "Blessings of
Liberty" envisaged by our forefathers in the preamble to the Constitution.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this 28th day of October in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred and forty-six and of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and seventy-first.
HARRY S. TRUMAN

THANKSGIVING DAY, 1947
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
Older than our nation itself is the hallowed custom of resting from our
labors for one day at harvest time and of dedicating that day to expressions
of gratitude to Almighty God for the many blessings which He has heaped upon
us. Now, as the cycle of the year nears completion, it is fitting that we
should lift up our hearts again in special prayers.
May our thanksgiving this year be tempered by humility, by sympathy for
those who lack abundance, and by compassion for those in want. As we express
appreciation in prayer for our magnificent gifts, may we remember that it is
more blessed to give than to receive; and may we manifest our remembrance of
that precept by generously sharing our bounty with needy people of other
nations.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY S. TRUMAN, President of the United States of
America, invite the attention of all citizens to the joint resolution of
Congress approved December 26, 1941, which designates the fourth Thursday in
November of each year as Thanksgiving Day; I proclaim Thursday, November 27,
1947, as a day of national thanksgiving; and I call upon the people of the
United States of every faith to consecrate that day to thoughts of
gratitude, acts of devotion, and a firm resolve to assist in the efforts
being made by religious groups and other bodies to aid the undernourished,
the sick, the aged, and all sufferers in war-devastated lands.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this 10th day of November in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred and forty-seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and seventy-second.
HARRY S. TRUMAN

THANKSGIVING DAY, 1948
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
As the traditional day of thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts incline, as
in previous years, to the richness of our blessings. The spiritual
endowments of our country are undiminished; we may, as always, walk as free
men unafraid. Our harvests have been bountiful, our production of goods
abundant. Our resources have permitted us to aid the needy and helpless of
other lands.
We are privileged to participate in international efforts to advance human
welfare. We are profoundly grateful for the existence of an international
forum where differences among nations may be submitted to world opinion with
a view to harmonious adjustment.
We pray this year not only in the spirit of thanksgiving but also as
suppliants for wisdom in our approach to the problems confronting this
Nation. Believing in the dignity of man and his right to live in freedom and
peace, we ask divine guidance in helping to safeguard these gifts for
ourselves and other peoples of the earth.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY S. TRUMAN, President of the United States of
America, in consonance with the joint resolution of Congress approved
December 26, 1941, designating the fourth Thursday of November in each year
as Thanksgiving Day, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 1948, as a
day of national thanksgiving; and I call upon our citizens to observe that
day by giving thanks to Almighty God for the bounties which have been
bestowed upon our Nation and by resolving to render generous assistance to
the hungry and homeless in other lands, thus renewing our devotion to the
cause of good-will among men.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this 12th day of November in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred and forty-eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and seventy-third.
HARRY S. TRUMAN

THANKSGIVING DAY, 1949
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
In accordance with our cherished custom, let us pause from our labors for
one day in this autumnal season and offer prayers of thanks to the Divine
Giver of our bounty.
We are grateful for the plentiful harvests of our fields, for the abundance
of goods produced by our industries, and for the multitude of spiritual
blessings which enrich our lives.
We are thankful that our resources enable us to aid the peoples of other
countries in the furtherance of economic well-being and security.
We deeply appreciate the strength of our democratic institutions and the
preservation of those ideals of liberty and justice which form the basis of
national stability and international peace. The times demand more than the
wisdom of man can provide. There should be in the hearts of all good men and
true a realization that as the Psalmist said : "There is no king saved by
the multitude of an host; a mighty man is not delivered by much strength."
Humbly grateful for these benefactions, may we add to our prayers of
thanksgiving a plea for divine guidance of the leaders of our Nation and the
leaders of all other nations in their efforts to promote peace and freedom
for all men.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY S. TRUMAN, President of the United States of
America, having in mind the joint congressional resolution of December 26,
1941, which made the fourth Thursday in November a legal holiday, do hereby
proclaim Thursday, November 24, 1949, as Thanksgiving Day, and I urge all
citizens to observe the day with reverence. Let us, on the appointed day, in
our homes and in our accustomed places of worship, give thanks to Almighty
God for the blessings which have signalized our lot as a Nation, and let us
ask for the gift of wisdom in our striving for a better world.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the
United States of America to be affixed.
DONE at the City of Washington this 10th day of November in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred and forty-nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the one hundred and seventy-fourth.
HARRY S. TRUMAN

"Gould 0738" wrote in message
...
Gould,
Thanksgiving is an formal day to give thanks to God.

There you go, bracket creep already.

Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful.
For many that will mean being thankful to God. Others will be thankful to
their
ancestors, their neighbors, or another diety.

When Washington proclaimed the original "Day of Thanksgiving" there was
some
reference to God. But it was more akin to
"National Dairy Week", or proclaiming a single day "Superbowl Championship
Team
Day".

Thanksgiving was celebrated off and on for the next 150 years. Some states
would have a Thanksgiving day, others would not.
There was no common day of observance throughout the country. I believe it
was
Franklin Roosevelt who proclaimed the third Thursday in November a
national Day
of Thanksgiving.

I'll keep a sharp eye peeled this next week, but I don't see many publicly
funded thanksgiving decorations and those that are out there would tend to
feature early American settlers, (pilgrims), wildlife (turkeys), and maybe
even
a display of a harvest cornucopia. If there is a religion that worships
pilgrims, turkeys, and vegetables, I'm not aware of it.

Since Christmas and
Thanksgiving are Federal and State Holidays, celebrating Religious holy
days, hasn't the government officially endorsed these holy days?

Christmas was never a legal holiday in the US until 1870. President Grant
proclaimed Christmas a holiday via presidential decree. It's doubtful that
this
religious day would have survived a congressional debate or judicial
review.
Christmas was never envisioned as a federally recognized day by the
framers of
the constitution. Until the early 1800's, it wasn't even widely observed.

Can you name a church that considers Thanksgiving a " high holy day"?

A number of days throughout the year are declared holidays. Everybody gets
Armistice Day off, whether they think peace is a good idea or not.
Everybody
gets President's Day off, whether they think Washington and/or Lincoln
were
good guys, or not.

Most Christmas celebrations are entirely secular. Trees, Santa Claus,
holly,
drunken orgy Christmas parties, etc etc etc etc........most of the common
trappings, have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus or Christian
symbolism.
Hard to make a case that Christmas, as celebrated today, is any sort of
religious holiday for most of the participants.

It is easier to make a case that when the Town of Smallville spends the
public
tax money on decorations of a religious nature- (and those that depict an
event
described in the Bible would certainly qualify as religious)- the
government is
promoting, or endorsing, the establishment of a particular religion.