Thanksgiving Day Proclamation by President George Washington

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 and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:" 

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being 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 previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us. 

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase 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. 

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789. 

David McCullough Reflects on George Washington

From "The Glorious Cause of America," narrated by David McCullough, Sept. 27, 2005.

First in the Hearts... Second To None...

James Renwick Manship, Sr.

After a dozen years of inspiring, entertaining, and educating America about George Washington, other Founding Fathers, and this Constitution for the United States of America, Living History re-enactor James Renwick Manship, Sr. has compiled a 72 page, over 200 picture "Prose Poem, Praise Poem with Pictures" to remind young and old why George Washington is truly "First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of his Countrymen, he was Second to None..."

"Second To None: America's Washington" begins with his Washington Times Op-Ed on the Bicentennial of the Burial of George Washington in 1999. To that Manship has added many Wise Words of Wise Men ON Washington, AND Wise Words OF Washington, with interesting insights to History not seen in most history books. With over 200 color pictures and in verse style, a reviewer has written: "Very readable & fun to read."

In 2005, Washington Times columnist John McCaslin called Manship a "Master of American History." In 2002, History teacher and Virginia Delegate Lee Ware wrote: "What David McCullough and others are doing between printed covers, Mr. Manship is doing in person. His presentations are an extraordinary entry into the life and experience of an era." Now some of that "extraordinary experience" is seen between printed covers for you and Americans of all ages to enjoy.

On early writings of Washington, Manship has compiled two other books, one in 2006 titled "Prayer Warrior Washington", a workbook and picture book of Washington's Prayers, and in 2008, "A Civil Air for America" on the boyhood Rules of Civility of Washington. Manship has shared the powerful prayer life and sterling character of George Washington with tens of thousands of Americans as George Washington LIVE! in schools, civic clubs, churches, parades and outdoor rallies! To learn about GW Live !, go to www.GeneralWashington.info.

George Washington: First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen