Thanksgiving Day, 2005

Proclamation 7963 of November 18, 2005

Thanksgiving Day, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Thanksgiving Day is a time to remember our many
blessings and to celebrate the opportunities that
freedom affords. Explorers and settlers arriving in
this land often gave thanks for the extraordinary
plenty they found. And today, we remain grateful to
live in a country of liberty and abundance. We give
thanks for the love of family and friends, and we ask
God to continue to watch over America.

This Thanksgiving, we pray and express thanks for the
men and women who work to keep America safe and secure.
Members of our Armed Forces, State and local law
enforcement, and first responders embody our Nation's
highest ideals of courage and devotion to duty. Our
country is grateful for their service and for the
support and sacrifice of their families. We ask God's
special blessings on those who have lost loved ones in
the line of duty.

We also remember those affected by the destruction of
natural disasters. Their tremendous determination to
recover their lives exemplifies the American spirit,
and we are grateful for those across our Nation who
answered the cries of their neighbors in need and
provided them with food, shelter, and a helping hand.
We ask for continued strength and perseverance as we
work to rebuild these communities and return hope to
our citizens.

We give thanks to live in a country where freedom
reigns, justice prevails, and hope prospers. We
recognize that America is a better place when we answer
the universal call to love a neighbor and help those in
need. May God bless and guide the United States of
America as we move forward.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 24, 2005,
as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all
Americans to gather together in their homes and places
of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to
reinforce the ties that bind us and give thanks for the
freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B