“The Hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.” —George Washington (1778)
My Patriot Brothers and Sisters,
We are charged with sustaining the blessings of American Liberty — the “unalienable rights of man” as “endowed by their Creator,” affirmed in our Declaration of Independence and codified in our Constitution. Our core mission is to extend those blessings to the next generation.
The circumstances of certain seasons make that charge more difficult, but we approach it with no less optimism and vigor. Stand fast and firm and remember who you are, and who WE are together.
Pause with us this Thanksgiving to reflect upon how blessed we really are — blessed far beyond any measure of what we deserve. We are grateful, especially, for simple blessings and mercies.
To put our national Day of Thanksgiving into proper context is to more fully understand gratitude. In that spirit, I invite you to read this compelling “History and Legacy of Our National Thanksgiving.”
From the extraordinary journal of Mayflower Compact signer and Plymouth Governor William Bradford, “Of Plimoth Plantation,” circa 1630:
Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation.
In his First Thanksgiving Proclamation, President George Washington declared:
Whereas 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 to implore his protection and favor … I do recommend and assign [this Thanksgiving Day] to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.
In President Ronald Reagan’s final Thanksgiving message, he said:
We Americans have so much for which to be thankful. … But prosperity is not an end in itself. It helps us pay attention to the more important things: raising our children as we want them to be raised, helping others in need, and bringing nations together in peace. … We will give thanks for these and one thing more: our freedom. Yes, in America, freedom seems like the air around us: It’s there; it’s sweet, though we rarely give it a thought. Yet as the air fills our lungs, freedom fills our souls. It gives breath to our laughter and joy. It gives voice to our songs. It gives us strength as we race for our dreams. Think of those around the world who cannot bow their heads in prayer without risking their lives. … And then think of how blessed we are to be Americans. Yes, as we gather together this Thanksgiving to ask the Lord’s blessings. … Let us thank Him for our peace, prosperity, and freedom.
Indeed.
Fellow Patriots, especially in this season, contemplate all that is good and right: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
Moreover, as you gather with family and friends this week, keep the peace among those who would sow discord. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Amid the rush of this season, for inspiration, I encourage you to take a moment to consider the goodness and uniqueness of our nation and people. Enjoy watching “My Beautiful America” by my fellow Tennessean, Charlie Daniels.
Please join us in prayer for the protection of our uniformed Military Patriots, Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
Thank you for supporting our nation’s premier journal of American Liberty, and our effort to support and defend our Republic’s Founding Principles, in order that the fires of freedom would be ignited in the hearts and minds of our countrymen.
On behalf of your Patriot team and National Advisory Committee, we pray God’s blessings upon you and your family this Thanksgiving, and every day to come.
Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis
Mark Alexander
Publisher, The Patriot Post
Pro Deo et Libertate — 1776
Make a gift that pays great dividends. The Patriot Post’s mission is to ensure that the legacy of Liberty is extended to the next generation. Please support our mission. Thank you for your support.
Please join us in prayer for our nation — that righteous leaders would rise and prevail and we would be united as Americans. Pray for the protection of our uniformed Military Patriots, Veterans, First Responders, and their families. Lift up your Patriot Post team and our mission to support and defend our legacy of American Liberty and our Republic’s Founding Principles, in order that the fires of freedom would be ignited in the hearts and minds of our countrymen.
