President Obama’s Thanksgiving Proclamation: “Thankful for Our Common Blessings”

25 November 2009

"The First Thanksgiving", painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863–1930)

COPY: Every year, on the fourth Thursday in November, Americans in the United States and across the world celebrate Thanksgiving Day, one of the most important national holidays.  Thanksgiving is a long-standing tradition with the first celebration dating back to 1621, when the first settlers held a harvest feast after a successful growing season.  On November 23, 2009, President Barack Obama issued a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation recognizing the roots of this cherished American tradition, the history of the United States, and the values shared by all Americans.  “From our earliest days of independence, and in times of tragedy and triumph, Americans have come together to celebrate Thanksgiving,” said President Obama.  “As Americans, we hail from every part of the world. While we observe traditions from every culture, Thanksgiving Day is a unique national tradition we all share.”  In its significance, Thanksgiving Day can be compared to the Polish “Wigilia” (Christmas Eve supper) when family members often travel great distances to spend the holiday together and enjoy a traditional meal.   A typical Thanksgiving Day menu features a large selection of harvest foods including roasted turkey with stuffing and gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and pumpkin or pecan pie.

Thanksgiving provides an occasion for reunions of friends and families, and it affords Americans a shared opportunity to express gratitude for the freedoms they enjoy as well as food, shelter and other good things.  Many Americans also take time to prepare and serve meals to the needy at soup kitchens, churches and homeless shelters. Others donate to food drives or participate in charity fundraisers; in fact, hundreds of nonprofit groups throughout the country hold Thanksgiving Day charity races called “Turkey Trots.”

Please visit the America.gov homepage for more information on Thanksgiving history and traditions.