Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Proclamation for Thanksgiving Day

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

November 27, 2008

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following proclamation in observance of Thanksgiving Day on November 27, 2008:

PROCLAMATION

It is interesting that a national observance of Thanksgiving was revived during the middle of the Civil War. Of all the moments in America's history, when the emotions of a battle-weary nation could have easily smothered gratitude, President Abraham Lincoln chose the fall of 1863 to remind the people of the United States that ours is a land of limitless opportunities and blessings.

While our present situation cannot compare to a civil war, we certainly live in demanding times. Whether it is our struggling economy or perhaps a loved one's failing health, each of us faces tests and trials. But it says a lot about the American spirit that we can see through the great challenges we face and find gratitude for the beauty and bounty that are around us. This is the spirit that was with the pilgrims as they celebrated the first Thanksgiving; it was with President Lincoln as he asked a nation at war to recognize the "blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies;" and it is the same spirit that has guided a grateful people ever since.

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I hope each of us will show our gratitude for living in a state and nation filled with such incredible beauty and freedoms. May our prayers and expressions of thanks go hand-in-hand with giving back to our community and being generous towards those who are in need. I especially hope we will stop and say a special thanks to our troops, police officers, firefighters and the countless other brave men and women - many of whom are away from family on this special holiday - who give so much to keep us safe.

To all Californians, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim November 27, 2008, as "Thanksgiving Day."

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 25th day of November 2008.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

Governor of California

ATTEST:

DEBRA BOWEN

Secretary of State