The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

WHEREAS: The American custom of celebrating a day of thanksgiving originated in Massachusetts in 1621 when the Pilgrims, who were struggling to stay alive in the New World, gathered with their Indian neighbors to give thanks to God; and

WHEREAS: Peace has come and gone many times since the passing of the first food from Indian to settler and this day serves as a reminder to be thankful for the courage of our forefathers and foremothers and their faith in God, which enabled them to build this nation into what it is today; and

WHEREAS: Today, when our great Nation is torn by so many problems, it is fitting to join in a resolution to give thanks for the peace and prosperity we have been allowed, for the bounty of our land, and for our present accomplishments and our future hopes;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL S. DUKAKIS, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim November 24th, 1983 as THANKSGIVING DAY

and urge the citizens of the Commonwealth to renew their determination to assist their fellow citizens by contributing to all charitable organizations so that the spirit of Thanksgiving shall continue all year.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston,

this third day of November, one thousand

nine hundred and eighty-three, and of the

Independence of the United States of America,

the two hundred and seventh.