On the cusp of our nation’s 250th birthday, the Pilgrims can’t be ignored. Not only did our nation have its roots embedded in the Mayflower Compact written “in the name of God,” but their enduring legacy is evident in our country’s recognition of thanksgiving to God.

The first presidential proclamation of thanksgiving in 1789 by George Washington read:

“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… [let us] all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks–for his kind care… of the People of this Country… and… for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed…

And also that we may…unite in…offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations… And beseech him to pardon our … transgressions–to enable us all… to perform our… duties properly and punctually… To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue… and grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.”

230 years later, the presidential thanksgiving proclamation in 2019 said:

“On Thanksgiving Day, we remember with reverence and gratitude the bountiful blessings afforded to us by our Creator…Nearly four centuries ago… Pilgrims embarked on their journey across the Atlantic at great personal risk… [It went on to recognize “God’s divine providence” resulting in a celebration with the Wampanoag for the “first Thanksgiving.” and it referenced Abraham Lincoln setting apart the last Thursday of November for praising and thanking God.]

As we gather today with those we hold dear, let us give thanks to Almighty God for the many blessings we enjoy… [as] we acknowledge God as the source of all good gifts. We ask Him for protection and wisdom and for opportunities this Thanksgiving to share with others some measure of what we have so providentially received. I encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings.”

Four years later in 2023, the presidential thanksgiving proclamation read:

“As families, loved ones, and friends across the country come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us be grateful for all the blessings of this Nation and its limitless possibilities… Before there was a United States of America, the Pilgrims celebrated Thanksgiving in honor of their first successful harvest and the support and generosity of the Wampanoag people who made it possible, (Mention of God was dismissed.) We are truly a good Nation because we are a good people. (Eight other “we” statements focused on us, not God, as in the Tower -of- Babel- like statement of “there is nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together.”) I encourage the people of the United States of America to join together and give thanks for the friends, neighbors, family members, and strangers who have supported each other over the past year in a reflection of goodwill and unity.” (Encouraging us to give “thanks for,” the proclamation left out who we give thanks to.)

Does Thanksgiving dinner come off the stove and out of the oven lukewarm? Did you detect a lukewarm quality in one of the above proclamations? Is your gratitude lukewarm? Don’t just give thanks for, but also give thanks to God “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I fully anticipate this year’s presidential proclamation by President Trump not to be written without God being thanked.