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A Day of Gratitude

Before George Washington declared a holiday to give thanks, people in New York celebrated the Constitution's ratification with a parade.

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Thanksgiving was originally made a national holiday with the intention of giving very specific thanks -- for the country's new constitution. President George Washington issued the proclamation in 1789, calling upon the people to acknowledge:

"… a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Finally, staying power …

  •
    Start the Countdown
  • 10: The Baby with the Bathwater
  • 9: There in Spirit
  • 8: Thanks, But, No.
  • 7: Claim to Fame
  • 6: Well, That's Embarrassing
  • 5: That's Dedication
  • 4: Glaring Omission
  • 3: This is What You Came Up With?
  • 2: A Day of Gratitude
  • 1: Against All Odds, the College
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