Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation Reflects Changing Values

For nearly 250 years, US presidents have issued Thanksgiving proclamations, providing a window into the changing values of the United States. From George Washington’s in 1789 to the most recent one from former President Joe Biden, each has asked Americans to pause, give thanks for their blessings, and come together as a nation – but one element has noticeably changed: the inclusion of God.

The First Proclamation

George Washington issued the first Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation about six years after the end of the Revolutionary War. Its first sentence acknowledged “the providence of almighty God,” arguing it is the “duty of all Nations … to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor.”

According to Washington, Congress asked the first president to recommend “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Washington called for Nov. 26, 1789, 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.”

He urged Americans to unite in thanking God for:

• His “kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation.”
• His mercies that America experienced during the Revolutionary War.
• The religious and civil liberty “with which we are blessed.”

Washington concluded with an explicit call to prayer “to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations,” asking him “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.”

Godless Gratitude

The most recent Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation, issued by former President Joe Biden on Nov. 7, 2024, mentions God only once: during the traditional sign-off, noting “the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four.”

Unlike Washington’s God-centric pronouncement, Biden’s message focused almost entirely on the American people throughout history, highlighting the Pilgrims’ successful harvest at the first Thanksgiving, Washington’s troops, and President Abraham Lincoln’s move to establish Thanksgiving as an official holiday.

“We are a good Nation because we are a good people. The First Lady and I remain inspired by the everyday Americans who lift this country up and push us forward. Today, so many are among their family and friends, celebrating the love that binds them and creating new traditions that will carry on for generations,” Biden’s proclamation read. “To anyone with an empty seat at the dinner table, grieving the loss of a loved one, the First Lady and I hold you in our hearts and prayers.”

While Washington credited God with the early success of the United States, Biden ascribed America’s status as a “Nation of promise and possibilities” to “every day, ordinary Americans are doing extraordinary things.”

“Our service members and veterans have given all, risked all, and dared all to keep our Nation free.  Our first responders, firefighters, and police officers risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe.  I can see the best of America in them and in our workers and union leaders, public servants and teachers, doctors and scientists, and all who give their heart and soul to ensuring people are treated with dignity and respect,” Biden’s proclamation continued.

Almost 250 years after the first president thanked God for the many blessings bestowed upon Americans, the 46th president thanked the American people.

Unifying Traditions

While early presidents framed Thanksgiving as a sacred opportunity to thank God for His providence, modern presidents focus more on the human element. Despite these changes in language and faith, Thanksgiving has always been and continues to be a moment to pause, reflect on blessings, and remember that gratitude — whether directed toward God or our neighbors — is one of the country’s most unifying traditions.

1. President George Washington issued the first Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789, six years after the end of the Revolutionary War.
2. Washington’s proclamation focused heavily on thanking God, whereas President Joe Biden’s proclamation focused on gratitude toward the American people.
3. The first proclamation was issued after Congress asked Washington to recommend “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.”