The practice of Thanksgiving originated prior to the founding of the Republic. But it was our first President who institutionalized it politically, yet leaving the date open for each state to individually celebrate it. Seventy four years later Abraham Lincoln issued another proclamation to set Thanksgiving on November 26, nationalizing the date for all states on the same day.

So let’s have a look at some of words of wisdom those ‘rich old white men’ left for us at this Thanksgiving:

George Washington, 1732-1799

Our first President was of the opinion that the nations should always be thankful for the blessings bestowed upon them. He issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation 1789, not as being thankful just for personal things or even family, but for the nation to acknowledge that there is a Creator and His ways are best.

Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790

Benjamin Franklin was also a man who believed in thankfulness of the heart. America was a fledgling Republic, a unique and different nation barely on its way when he died in 1790. Even at the time, discord among differing factions had seeped into the fabric of the country. Known during his life as an extremely wise man, he had words of truth the remind us that to constantly complain is destructive to our nation.

“Constant complaint is the poorest sort of pay for all the comforts we enjoy.” Benjamin Franklin

Daniel Webster 1782-1852

A fiery orator, Representative, Senator, and Secretary of State, the power of his words ring truth through the ages, if we would listen. He, too spoke against constant complaining as destructive to the nation.

“There are persons who constantly clamor. They complain of oppression, speculation, and pernicious influence of wealth. They cry out loudly against all banks and corporations, and a means by which small capitalists become united in order to produce important and beneficial results. They carry on mad hostility against all established institutions. They would choke the foundation of human civilization.” Daniel Webster

Thomas Paine 1737-1809

Thomas Paine was a writer who published many papers. One called “Crisis” was known to have inspired patriots across America during the Revolution. His words speak against entitlement, or obtaining something for nothing. And though he hated organized religion, his faith in One God was deep and abiding.

“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; – ’tis dearness only that gives everything its value.” Thomas Paine

Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865

The final setting of Thanksgiving as a national holiday is credited to our 16th President. Not a particularly “fiery orator,” yet his speech at Gettysburg was required memorization for school students in times past.

All of our Founding Fathers embodied the ability to be humble and thankful. That virtue is nearly lost in America today. Let’s revive it, shall we?

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning 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. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience…” Abraham Lincoln October 3, 1863

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