WHEREAS, Thanksgiving Day is one of our nation’s most beloved holidays, observed for centuries as a time to pause and give thanks to God for His many blessings; and

WHEREAS, citizens and leaders have recognized a day of Thanksgiving in America since our first president, George Washington, proclaimed it a national holiday in 1789, stating, “it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor;” and

WHEREAS, seventy-four years after Thanksgiving became a national holiday under President Washington, President Lincoln charged his countrymen in the midst of the Civil War to be mindful of their many blessings and to not forget “the source from which they come,” that they are “the gracious gifts of the Most High God…” who ought to be thanked “with one heart and one voice by the whole American People;” and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth is blessed with families, communities, schools, places of worship, rich diversity, and a welcoming spirit; and

WHEREAS, citizens of the Commonwealth are thankful for civil and constitutional rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness without fear of government retribution; and

WHEREAS, citizens are grateful for public safety and military personnel who protect and sacrifice to serve and cannot be with their loved ones because they are protecting ours; and

WHEREAS, Thanksgiving is a day of cherished and sentimental reflection and gratitude and for embracing time with family, friends and loved ones to keep traditions alive and make memories anew; and

WHEREAS, in keeping with our long tradition, Virginians are encouraged on this day to give thanks to our Creator for our abundant blessings and the opportunities we enjoy as well as the unwavering strength of our families and communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize November 23, 2023, as THANKSGIVING DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.