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Proclamation

Whereas, during this season of Thanksgiving, we reflect upon our blessings of life in the greatest of all countries and we remember the many reasons we have to be grateful, highest among them our own health and happiness, and that of our families and friends, and the cherished freedoms and privileges we enjoy as Americans; and

Whereas, the observance of a "Day of Thanks" is a uniquely American tradition and one with historic significance as it commemorates the three-day celebration of the first harvest of crops in the New Land, with a feast held by colonists of the Plymouth Plantation in the fall of 1621, at which they were joined by several Native American chiefs and ninety of their tribesmen; and

Whereas, the day was first officially designated in our history by our new nation's president, George Washington who, on October 3, 1789, signed a decree setting aside Thursday, November 26th as "A Day of Publick Thanksgiving and Prayer"; and

Whereas, entitled "General Thanksgiving," the decree appointed the day to be observed with grateful hearts by all the people of the fledgling democracy, and who were indeed wholeheartedly grateful to survive many hardships, including political oppression and religious persecution; and

Whereas, while there were Thanksgiving observances in America both before and after Washington's proclamation, this represents the first to be so established by the new national government and remains the basis of the holiday we celebrate to this day; and

Whereas, today, centuries later, we remain thankful for our country's democratic ideals that are an inspiring example for people around the globe who continue to seek freedom in this great land and, on this special holiday, as families, friends and neighbors once again gather around tables copiously filled with the traditional Thanksgiving meal, we should take this opportunity to open our hearts and homes to those who are without or who live alone, and invite them to join in an expression of shared gratitude for the many blessings that America bestows on each of us every day of the year;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim November 22, 2007 as Thanksgiving Day in the Empire State.

Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this fifteenth day of November in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor