J.L.G. Ferris's painting "First Thanksgiving" |
Norman Rockwell's "Freedom From Want" |
History
Presidential activities
In 1789, President George Washington declared the First National Day of Thanksgiving and Public Prayer. A few decades later, in the midst of a bloody civil war, President Lincoln issued a proclamation establishing Thanksgiving as a regular national holiday. Presidents ever since have issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation.
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George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation October 3, 1789 -- a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to "the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be ...". |
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Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation October 3, 1863 -- "fruitful fields and healthful skies" Lincoln's 1864 Proclamation October 20, 1864 -- established an annual day of "thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God" |
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George W. Bush's 2003 Thanksgiving Message TEXT | PDF |
Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamations through the year 2000
Pardoning of the Thanksgiving Turkey
A White House tradition established by Truman. A turkey is presented to the president, is "pardoned", and enjoys a life-long stay at a petting zoo. See the photoessay and the presidential speech.
Nostalgia
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Princeton-Yale Football game The American Intercollegiate Football Association held its first championship game on Thanksgiving Day in 1876. The growing popularity of the game made it a Thanksgiving tradition. See a video of a Nov. 19, 1903 game between Princeton and Yale. |
An incredible variety of pumpkin recipes, including pies, but also savory vegetarian options and an interesting Pentagon recipe for pumpkin and sweet Italian sausage fettuccine. A great blend of traditional and innovative ideas.
Contents updated: Nov. 19, 2009