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Thanksgiving Day, 2008
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 21, 2008

Thanksgiving Day, 2008 A Proclamation by the President of the United States
of America

˙˙White House News
˙˙En Espa¤ol


Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and
express gratitude for all that we have been given, the freedoms we enjoy,
and the loved ones who enrich our lives. We recognize that all of these
blessings, and life itself, come not from the hand of man but from Almighty
God.

Every Thanksgiving, we remember the story of the Pilgrims who came to
America in search of religious freedom and a better life. Having arrived in
the New World, these early settlers gave thanks to the Author of Life for
granting them safe passage to this abundant land and protecting them
through a bitter winter. Our Nation's first President, George Washington,
stated in the first Thanksgiving proclamation that "It is the duty of all
nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to
be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and
favor." While in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln
revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, asking God to
heal our wounds and restore our country.

Today, as we look back on the beginnings of our democracy, Americans recall
that we live in a land of many blessings where every person has the right
to live, work, and worship in freedom. Our Nation is especially thankful
for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who protect these rights
while setting aside their own comfort and safety. Their courage keeps us
free, their sacrifice makes us grateful, and their character makes us
proud. Especially during the holidays, our whole country keeps them and
their families in our thoughts and prayers.

Americans are also mindful of the need to share our gifts with others, and
our Nation is moved to compassionate action. We pay tribute to all caring
citizens who reach out a helping hand and serve a cause larger than
themselves.

On this day, let us all give thanks to God who blessed our Nation's first
days and who blesses us today. May He continue to guide and watch over our
families and our country always.

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 November 27, 2008, 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 strengthen 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 twenty-first day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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