THE WHITE HOUSE -
Office of the Press Secretary -
For Immediate Release - January 20, 2001
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING, 2001 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Nearly 200 years ago, on March 4, 1801, our young Nation celebrated
an important milestone in its history, the first transfer of power
between political parties, as Thomas Jefferson took the oath of
office as President.
On this bicentennial of that event, we pause to remember and give
thanks to Almighty God for our unbroken heritage of democracy, the
peaceful transition of power, and the perseverance of our Government
through the challenges of war and peace, want and prosperity, discord
and harmony.
President Jefferson also wrote, "The God who gave us life gave
us liberty at the same time" and asked, "Can the liberties
of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these
liberties are of God?" Indeed, it is appropriate to mark this
occasion by remembering the words of President Jefferson and the
examples of Americans of the past and today who in times of both
joy and need turn to Almighty God in prayer. Times of plenty, like
times of crisis, are tests of American character. Today, I seek God's
guidance and His blessings on our land and all our people. Knowing
that I cannot succeed in this task without the favor of God and the
prayers of the people, I ask all Americans to join with me in prayer
and thanksgiving.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 21, 2001, a
National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving and call upon the citizens
of our Nation to gather together in homes and places of worship to
pray alone and together and offer thanksgiving to God for all the
blessings of this great and good land.
On this day, I call upon Americans to recall all that unites us.
Let us become a nation rich not only in material wealth but in ideals
-- rich in justice and compassion and family love and moral courage.
I ask Americans to bow our heads in humility before our Heavenly
Father, a God who calls us not to judge our neighbors, but to love
them, to ask His guidance upon our Nation and its leaders in every
level of government.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-fifth.