Thanksgiving has a connection to war, and it's been there from the beginning. Two American presidents who are associated with the holiday were both involved in wars.
When the Revolutionary War ended, George Washington was able to assemble this great nation. He was the first to ask for a thanksgiving day of prayer (1789).
The other president was Abraham Lincoln who was faced with a terrible war between the states. The nation had been badly broken up by that war. Washington assembled this nation and Lincoln had to put it back together again.
When the war ended, he delivered his famous Gettysburg Address and officially proclaimed the holiday of Thanksgiving Day. He spelled out clearly, not only what we were grateful for, but to whom we were praying.
It is with a deep sense of respect and pride that I display the closing lines of Pres. Lincoln's profound speech. - Gene
"The country is rejoicing in its new strength and vigor, and in the increase of freedom. No human counsel or mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God.
And so it seems to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
I recommend that we implore that His Almighty Hand heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with His divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and union".
Abraham Lincoln - 1863
God Bless America
