While scanning the Internet, I came across who proclaimed the first Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It was George Washington, on Oct. 3, 1789. He did it at the request of both Houses of Congress which said that the people of the United States should observe a day in which they could give thanks to God for his protection and favor.
I had always thought that Abraham Lincoln was the first president to do that, but I was wrong. Washington urged the people of the United States to humbly offer "our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations" and ask him to forgive us of our sins, both nationally and privately. I think it would be a wonderful idea if we as a free nation would do those things that Washington and both Houses of Congress suggested; there sure would be a lot more peace here.
Be thankful this Thanksgiving weekend for the blessings God has given this nation.
Alanah Karpen
Willmar
