Keeping today's Thanksgiving post short and sweet.

I'm writing this before 5am on Thanksgiving Day, 2024. All is quiet, the pies are baked, yet we still have more to do.

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Last night I was looking ahead at Colonial Williamsburg's (CW's) event schedule for today, a busy day here at what is currently the largest living history museum in the world. You'll find the trades shops open, and, of course, performances.

One that caught my eye was General Washington on stage sharing his Thanksgiving Proclamation, which I looked up on my go-to resource for primary-sourced writing by him and many others: the Founders Archives.

I'm not sure we'll get down to the museum to see Ron Carnegie masterfully interpret the General's words this time, but I'm grateful for the ability to witness his research and hard work regularly.

I wanted to share this bit of American history to offer up a slightly different perspective on the meaning of Thanksgiving, prior to the holiday becoming the annual event many of us know today. (on a related note, you can see more about that on my post written for last Thanksgiving by clicking here)

This excerpt, one of several General Orders listed, shares the sentiment of himself and the Continental Congress. To be directed to my source, click here.

General Orders, 18 November 1775

The Honorable the Legislature of this Colony having thought fit to set apart Thursday the 23rd of November Instant, as a day of public thanksgiving “to offer up our praises, and prayers, to Almighty God, the Source and Benevolent Bestower of all good; That he would be pleased graciously to continue, to smile upon our Endeavours, to restore peace, preserve our Rights, and Privileges, to the latest posterity; prosper the American Arms, preserve and strengthen the Harmony of the United Colonies, and avert the Calamities of a civil war.” 1

The General therefore commands, that day to be observed with all the Solemnity directed by the Legislative Proclamation, and all Officers, Soldiers & others, are hereby directed, with the most unfeigned Devotion, to obey the same.

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.

Ron Carnegie as General George Washington