Thanksgiving proclamation of Gov. Michael S. Dukakis

By His Excellency Michael S. Dukakis, Governor, a proclamation, 1984: Whereas: The American custom of celebrating a day of thanksgiving originated in Massachusetts in 1621 when the Pilgrims, who were stuggling 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; Now, therefore, I, Michael S. Dukakis, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim November 22nd, 1984, 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 tenth day of October, one thousand nine hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and ninth.