Thanksgiving & The First Amendment

Here’s a fascinating bit of history: Thanksgiving and the first amendment are practically twins, passed within 48 hours of each other.

As M. Stanton Evans pointed out in The Theme Is Freedom, “On First Amendment day-plus-one, here is the language the House adopted: ‘We acknowledge with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity to establish a constitutional government for their safety and happiness.”

“The House accordingly called on President Washington to issue a proclamation designating a national day of prayer and thanksgiving (the origin of the present holiday to this effect). This was Washington’s response: “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…That great and glorious Being who is the beneficient author of all the good that was, that is, or that ever will be, that we may then unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people…'”

“Such were the sentiments officially pronounced, by president and Congress, immediately after adoption of the First Amendment.” Enjoy and employ both: Use the first amendment and have a happy Thanksgiving!

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