CHAPTER 722
STATE OF DELAWARE
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
DOVER
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, in the year 1621, Pilgrim settlers in New England paused in their struggle for survival in a new land to give thanks to God for the blessings bestowed upon them; and
WHEREAS, Thanksgiving has become a national tradition providing an opportunity for the more fortunate of us to share a special meal with our loved ones; and
WHEREAS, for the less fortunate, especially those millions of older Americans who live alone, Thanksgiving Day may hold little meaning; and
WHEREAS, it would be especially appropriate on Thanksgiving to remember not only our own households and families but also those older Americans who, through no fault of their own, are isolated from family and friends; and
WHEREAS, by a joint resolution of the Congress of the United States and by Paragraph 501, Chapter 5, Title 1 of the Delaware Code, the fourth Thursday of each November has been proclaimed Thanksgiving Day and is to be observed as a legal holiday;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RUSSELL W. PETERSON, do hereby proclaims Thursday, November 25,1971, as
THANKSGIVING DAY
in Delaware and urge residents of the First State, with their families and friends, to join in heartful Thanksgiving for our Nation's blessings and to invite into their homes on this day a senior citizen who is without his own family on this festive occasion.
FURTHER, I request that all citizens of Delaware display the National and State flags, and join in praying for the attainment of a peaceful world in which brotherhood, justice and happiness flourish.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, RUSSELL W. PETERSON, Governor of the State of Delaware, have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the said State to be hereunto affixed at Dover this 17th
(GREAT SEAL) day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the one hundred and ninety-sixth.