Hi John,

A Thanksgiving Proclamation

In 1621, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native American tribe gathered to celebrate the season's harvest. We now recognize this as the first “Thanksgiving.”

Since the days of the early republic, Americans have created special days of thanks. As we come closer to America's 250th birthday, look back at some of our nation's Thanksgiving proclamations. Start with our Presidential Proclamations and Gratitude eLesson to acknowledge what Americans have given thanks for and why a public day of thanksgiving is necessary.

The eLesson provides primary sources from three presidents, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, along with comprehension questions for students.

George Washington's Proclamation

Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Proclamation

The Bill of Rights Institute wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving!

BRI is partnering with iCivics to host the Civic Star Challenge. This contest rewards K-12 teachers and classrooms for any classroom activity that references themes from the Declaration of Independence in American history.

After you use our Thanksgiving eLesson, log your class time in the Civic Star Challenge portal and join the essay contest to win a $10,000 grant for your school, an all-expenses-paid national civic education trip, or a share of over $100,000.

Log Your Activities!

BOE: Bottom of Email

Hi John,

In his 1944 Thanksgiving proclamation, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called on Americans to give thanks “for the unity of spirit which has kept our Nation strong,” and “for our abiding faith in freedom.”

As we’re approaching our nation’s 250th birthday in less than a year, I see a chance to connect as Americans around the founding principles that unite us a people.

Thanks to your work teaching history and civics, our students are learning these principles, like freedom, equality, and justice, and why they’re worth preserving. By equipping young people to understand their roles as citizens in shaping the future, you are helping to ensure the American experiment will endure for another 250 years.

At the Bill of Rights Institute, we’re grateful for your devotion to your students and we’re proud to support you.

This Thanksgiving, I hope you can spend time with loved ones, rest, and reflect on the blessing of freedom that we all share.

With gratitude,

David J. Bobb
President and CEO

Copyright © 2025 Bill of Rights Institute, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
1310 North Courthouse Road, Suite 620 Arlington, Virginia 22201

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.