A little while ago, the White House released this year’s Thanksgiving Proclamation. The tradition of Thanksgiving proclamations dates back to George Washington, and in his proclamation this year, President Obama touches on the customary themes. The proclamation begins, in a very American, nonsectarian way, with a reminder of the holiday’s religious content:
On Thanksgiving Day, Americans everywhere gather with family and friends to recount the joys and blessings of the past year. This day is a time to take stock of the fortune we have known and the kindnesses we have shared, grateful for the God-given bounty that enriches our lives. As many pause to lend a hand to those in need, we are also reminded of the indelible spirit of compassion and mutual responsibility that has distinguished our Nation since its earliest days.
After reviewing the history of the holiday and praising the good works of Americans in the armed forces and civilian life, the proclamation continues with a more specific religious reference to the Christian concept of grace — though, lest anyone get the wrong idea, the reference is quickly diluted by a nod to the “grace” bestowed by other people:
On Thanksgiving Day, individuals from all walks of life come together to celebrate this most American tradition, grateful for the blessings of family, community, and country. Let us spend this day by lifting up those we love, mindful of the grace bestowed upon us by God and by all who have made our lives richer with their presence.
And the proclamation concludes with the customary exhortation:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 22, 2012, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage the people of the United States to join together — whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors — and give thanks for all we have received in the past year, express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and share our bounty with others.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
I watched the actual turkey pardoning and was surprised when the president made what looked an awful lot like the Sign of the Cross (with a little handwaving after he realized what he did) over the gobblers as he pardoned them. If that is the case, it seems really strange that people agitated about the proclamation have not even mentioned the gesture.
Jeremy, I hadn’t heard about the sign of the cross and was skeptical when I read your comment, but it turns out a lot of other people noticed it, too. According to the report from AFP, “While daughters Sasha and Malia looked on, Obama performed the pardon in an almost pontifical manner with a sign of the cross.” Huh.