The desire for a day of thanksgiving came at the behest of a joint committee of the U.S. Congress, spearheaded by Elias Boudinot, a representative from New Jersey. In truth, similar proclamations had been given throughout the American Revolution, including by then-Gen. Washington, on Dec. 18, 1777.
But Washington, as president, took the occasion not only to remind the public of “that great and glorious Being” who protected Americans during the War for Independence, as well as the liberties enshrined in the new Constitution, but also to promote prayer and charity.
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