November 26, 2013 (Tuesday)
A few years ago, our great friend, Dale Pogue, gave a speech dressed as George Washington. It was evident to me that he “became” the man he portrayed. As Washington, he spoke about himself. I would like to see him do that and hear him give that speech.
There was never a doubt that George Washington would become the first president of the new nation. He was elected unanimously by the electoral college, and served two terms. He was very careful about every decision made during his presidency, for he was well aware that everything he said and did would set a precedent for all those who would follow him in the office.
On October 3, 1789 he issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation. Click here for a photocopy of the document in Washington’s own handwriting.
He proclaimed, “Whereas 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– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God ..
.. who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks–for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country ..
.. and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations ..
.. and to bless them [all Sovereigns and nations] with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best ..
Click here to read the entire proclamation, heavily edited above.