Continental Congress National Thanksgiving Proclamations

Continental Congress issued the first ever National Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1777. It kept up the tradition of issuing Thanksgiving proclamations until 1784. In 1777, the United States Congress assembly set apart 18th December, which was a Thursday to be celebrated as the Thanksgiving Day and praise God. Next year, Congress designated 30th of December, which was a Wednesday for public Thanksgiving and Praise Day, and it was announced that all people should express gratitude to Almighty with 'united hearts' so that he may grant favors upon the country of United States and bless with health and wealth.

In his proclamation in 1979, Samuel Huntington, the President of Congress, appointed 9th of December, which was a Thursday, as the public day for 'solemn thanksgiving to Almighty God for his mercies and of prayer for the continuance of his favor and protection to these United States.' In 1780, 7th of December, which was a Thursday, was set apart to be observed as 'a day of public thanksgiving and prayer' so that people can 'celebrate the praises of our Divine Benefactor.' Next year, it was 13th of December, when the Thanksgiving and Prayer Day was celebrated as a religious day and people sung the praises of God. It was in 1782, when the last Thursday of November, which was 28th November that year, was observed as the Thanksgiving Day for the first time. The dates of Thanksgiving kept changing with the proclamations. It was celebrated on 18th of October in 1783 and 19th of October, which was a Tuesday, in 1784.