Thanksgiving in America: A Historical Reflection
Thanksgiving serves as a yearly reminder of the Christian foundations and traditions in the United States. Interestingly, Virginia celebrated its first Thanksgiving in 2020. The event in Jamestown in 1619 is often considered the model for this annual observance, predating the more widely recognized Plymouth celebration in 1621.
George Washington, as the first president under the Constitution, played a role in establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday. It was President Lincoln who, during his first Thanksgiving, declared an annual observance of this day.
“It is the indispensable duty of every human being to worship the Divine Providence of Almighty God, to gratefully acknowledge his obligation to God for the benefits he has received, and to implore further blessings for those in need…”
However, it was Samuel Adams who first proposed that the newly independent America create a national Thanksgiving Day, with the support of a couple of fellow Continental Congress members. This declaration took place during the fall of 1777, a challenging time for the nation. Many believed that America was losing the battle, particularly the Battle of Brandywine, which Dr. Peter Lilbach likened to our “first 9/11.”
Washington feared that the loss at Brandywine signified an imminent British takeover of Philadelphia, the nation’s capital at the time. Consequently, Congress had to move westward, first to Lancaster and then to York, Pennsylvania. Washington’s army also retreated, ultimately finding refuge in Valley Forge. They were met with a brutal winter, and things were about to get even tougher.
On October 7, 1777, in Saratoga, New York, Samuel Adams and his allies saw a glimmer of hope in what they viewed as a blessing from divine providence. They decided that the nation should proclaim its first Thanksgiving as an independent entity, drafting a proclamation that outlined this vision.
The First National Thanksgiving Proclamation of November 1, 1777 emphasized the duty of individuals to honor God’s providence and express gratitude. It stated that people should recognize the many blessings received and seek further guidance and help.
Adams, Witherspoon, and Lee seemed to be grasping for a positive moment amidst a series of setbacks, particularly the losses America suffered, such as Brandywine.
They urged that December 18th of the following year be set aside for a day of solemn thanksgiving and praise. On this day, what were Americans expected to do? They were to confess their sins and acknowledge God’s forgiveness through the merits of Jesus Christ, as well as implore His blessings for their governments.
If someone expressed such a prayer in Congress today, perhaps they would be met with some resistance, similar to a congressman who faced backlash for praying in Jesus’ name.
Adams, Witherspoon, and Lee prayed for divine guidance for their leaders in order to achieve independence and peace, two fundamental blessings for humanity. They also sought divine assistance for agricultural success, emphasizing the importance of nurturing true liberty, virtue, and faith in schools, while promoting the principles of righteousness and peace.
This proclamation was not the kind of soft, diluted prayer often heard in Congress nowadays. Rather, it was a bold declaration of faith, showcasing a side of the Founding Fathers that is often overlooked today.
