On October 3, 1863, Abraham issued the first proclamation making Thanksgiving a national holiday.
This proclamation was issued just three short months after the battle of Gettysburg which produced more casualties in the Civil War than any other battle.
In his proclamation, he acknowledged the “magnitude and severity” of the war, but also the blessings which this nation enjoyed in the midst of that terrible war.
He then wrote, “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.”
The year 1942 found this nation engaged in World War II and many of our young men fighting on two different fronts.
That year, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Proclamation 2571, designating the fourth Thursday in every November as Thanksgiving Day.
In that proclamation he quoted the 23rd Psalm saying, “I recommend that all of us bear in mind this great Psalm.”
No sermons found.The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23)