By Michael W. Chapman | November 21, 2018

On Oct. 3, 1789, America’s first president, George Washington, issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 26, 1789 as “a day of public thanksgiving and prayerto be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God….”

Below is the complete text of that proclamation:

By the President of the United States of America. a Proclamation.

Whereas 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 favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States 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…