The Duty Of A Nation

History records that the Pilgrims celebrated a good harvest as early as 1621, and that Massachusetts celebrated a thanksgiving day now and again until the 18th century. But our first President, George Washington, is credited with establishing our first national day of prayer and thanksgiving. By proclamation President George Washington set aside November 26, 1790, as a day of official thanksgiving "for the many single favors of Almighty God."

In that first proclamation, President Washington wrote:

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 power ...1

A request by President Washington that the Congress establish an annual observance of such a…