Fellow Americans and AMAC Members,
We invite you to revisit President Ronald Reagan’s 1985 Thanksgiving Day Address, a moment when gratitude, history, and national unity converged in a simple yet powerful reflection. Drawing from the lines of his proclamation, Reagan began by grounding the day’s observance in “our Judeo-Christian heritage,” reminding Americans that the custom of thanksgiving has roots deep in our nation’s past.
He acknowledged the many facets of America’s blessings—from the bounty of harvests to the achievements of its citizens in every walk of life—and invited all homes and houses of worship to be filled “with the spirit of gratitude and praise and love.”
Reagan also took the opportunity to situate our freedom in the broader arc of history. He contrasted the liberty enjoyed by Americans with the suppression endured in parts of the world, saying: “My fellow Americans, let us keep this Thanksgiving Day sacred. Let us thank God for the bounty and goodness of our nation.”
In doing so, he encouraged a moment of reflection—not just on what we have, but on the responsibility that comes with freedom, and the common bonds that unite us despite many differences.
-From the AMAC family to yours: may this holiday bring you renewal, thankfulness and hope. Happy Thanksgiving.
18 Comments