In 1789, President George Washington in New York City issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation by the national government. In it, he called upon Americans to express their gratitude for the happy conclusion to the country’s War of Independence and the successful ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Washington noted that the day should be one of prayer and giving thanks to God. It was a day to be celebrated by all the religious denominations. It was to be celebrated “as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God.” Listen to the full proclamation:
A special creative vision in Lower Manhattan features George Washington in prayer, a work that highlights the profound spirituality of America’s first President:
Today, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan is the cultural focus for the Thanksgiving Celebration in the United States.
In 2019, over 3.5 million people experienced the 93rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan’s Midtown and Upper West Side. This year, the 94th celebration will only be televised with over 50 million tuning in to watch from the comfort and safety of their homes. Learn more about it here.
Through George Washington and the cultural displays of today’s celebration, we can creatively visualize a world marked by abundance and full of possibilities. Always thankful for the never-ending creative character manifested in New York!
Connect to the defining moments of the modern experience centered in NYC with 5D Guide. Share your thoughts and connect others by sharing this post.
Are you in NYC or will be visiting? Join 5D Guide for in-season guided explorations throughout Manhattan. Now also offering Virtual Tour!
