Reagan's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1986

President Ronald Reagan was a master communicator. In his 1986 Thanksgiving Proclamation, he reminded Americans of the importance of recognizing God's hand on the founding of our nation and of "offering thanksgiving" to Him. In making these two points, Reagan often referenced our first president, George Washington, who prayed to God, recognized His hand in the colonies' success in the Revolutionary War, and proclaimed days of thanksgiving so the troops and, later, the citizens could thank God for his many blessings. Reagan also referred to "America the Beautiful," which is both a patriotic song and a prayer for God's blessing upon this land. He concludes by encouraging all Americans to pray and show God gratitude on Thanksgiving Day.