DANIEL J. PAUL

We all know the story about the Native Americans, the Pilgrims, and the first Thanksgiving. However, there is another story that occurred over 150 years later.

Wisps of smoke and fog accompanied with the acrid smell of gunpowder lingered over the field in the battle’s aftermath. The haunting echoes of the moaning and crying of the wounded and dying reverberated throughout the area. From this carnage of misery, an idea was forged. It came to a general after a victorious battle, who began to have a service that focused on prayer and giving thanks. From that point on, whenever they were successful in battle, a thanksgiving tribute was held.

This idea lingered with him long after the war was won. The now-retired general/newly-elected president wanted to unite the young nation. This desire was answered in short order, as he was approached by five House Representatives who were inquiring about a day of thanksgiving. He wholeheartedly endorsed their proposal. Afterwards, he consulted with a well-known Representative to approach the Senate and inquired whether they would support the idea. They did. On Sept. 25, 1789, the House of Representatives passed a resolution requesting that the president recommend a day of thanksgiving and prayer. Three days later, the Senate concurred with the House resolution.

On that momentous day of Oct. 3, 1789, the weather was stormy and inclement, resulting in few attending church services. So, with pen in hand, the president/retired general signed the proclamation designating Thursday, Nov. 26, 1789, as a day of thanksgiving and prayer for the new nation. It was the first Thanksgiving Proclamation and was celebrated under the new Constitution.

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving this year (dovetailing with my October article on stewardship), let us not only give thanks for family, friends and our freedom but commit ourselves to being good stewards in every aspect of our lives. For example, volunteering for activities to help out the less fortunate. It would be what God would expect us to do. Happy Thanksgiving to all, from the Paul Family.

Author’s note: The retired general/president was none other than our first president, George Washington. The well-known Representative was James Madison (one of the key figures in drafting the Constitution) and the names of the five Representatives were Elias Bondinot, Roger Sherman, Peter Silvester, William Samuel Johnson and Ralph Izard.

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Daniel J. Paul is a retired school administrator. His articles focus on education, old-fashioned family values, relationships and other topics. Contact him at meaningfuldifferences@gmail.com.