South Dakota Ag Connection - Governor Signs South Dakota Thanksgiving Proclamation

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Governor Signs South Dakota Thanksgiving Proclamation
South Dakota Ag Connection - 11/23/2022

Tuesday, Governor Kristi Noem issued an executive proclamation proclaiming Nov. 24 as "Thanksgiving Day" in South Dakota.

The full text of the proclamation can be found below:

Whereas, Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family, fellowship, and everything that we are thankful for in life; and,

Whereas, the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621, when the Wampanoag Native American tribe shared a fall harvest feast with the Pilgrims at Plymouth; and,

Whereas, the Pilgrims had fled religious persecution in Europe and had just arrived in an unfamiliar land, yet they chose to celebrate by giving thanks; and,

Whereas, the Wampanoag Native Americans did not know the Pilgrims nor speak their language, but they welcomed the newcomers to their land and celebrated their new neighbors with a feast; and,

Whereas, President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, realizing that it is precisely during our most difficult times that we must be most thankful; and,

Whereas, in his proclamation of that national holiday, President Lincoln wrote, "The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God;" and,

Whereas, South Dakota has likewise been granted tremendous blessings from our Creator. Some of these -- like good weather, bountiful harvests, thriving commerce, and the hard labor of our farmers, ranchers, and everyone else involved in putting food on our tables -- may seem mundane or commonplace, but they are truly life-giving gifts; and,

Whereas, each of us have examples of wonderful blessings -- both mundane and extraordinary -- in our own lives and in the lives of our families; and,

Whereas, Psalm 107:8-9 states: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things;" and,

Whereas, James 1:17 states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows;" and,

Whereas, We would be remiss if we did not give thanks to our Creator for the "good and perfect gifts" that he has bestowed upon us; and,

Whereas, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November:

Now, Therefore, I, Kristi Noem, Governor of the State of South Dakota, do hereby proclaim Nov. 24 as Thanksgiving Day.

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