America's history is replete with expressions of thanksgiving. In our giant collection of THE FREEDOM DOCUMENTS (which we are now shipping, if anyone wants to order them), we have included The First Thanksgiving Proclamation. On June 20, 1676, by unanimous vote, clerk Edward Rawson was authorized to proclaim June 29 as a day of corporate thanksgiving. The proclamation says, in part:

"The Council has thought meet to appoint and set apart the 29th day of this instant June, as a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such his Goodness and Favour ... [T]he council doth commend it to the Respective Ministers, Elders and people of this Jurisdiction; Solemnly and seriously to keep the same Beseeching that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ."

On October 3, 1789, our first (and greatest) President, George Washington, issued his National Day of Thanksgiving proclamation. He said (in part),

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor .... And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions .... To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue ..."

With a spirit of thanksgiving, Benjamin Franklin wrote,

"And forasmuch as ingratitude is one of the most odious of vices, let me not be unmindful gratefully to acknowledge the favours I receive from Heaven.... For all Thy innumerable benefits; for life and reason, and the use of speech; for health and joy, and every pleasant hour,—My good God, I thank Thee!"

As one searches through our history, he or she finds endless expressions of thanksgiving to God from the recorded statements of virtually every state congress and governor, as well as every President in American history.

At this Thanksgiving, I would like to not only publicly thank my God and Savior for His bountiful and abundant blessings, but I would also like to thank my readers for their faithfulness to read and repost, copy, and resend these columns all over America.

During the past four months, I traveled more than 30,000 miles; and visited more than 30 states, and scores of cities and towns. Everywhere I went, I was inundated with dozens and scores of people telling me how they read and distribute my columns. Frankly, I am amazed and taken aback by the numbers of people who read these columns.

To all of my readers: THANK YOU. Thank you for your love of liberty, your love of constitutional government, and your expressions of appreciation for my columns. This column has given me an extended family of patriots that is among the greatest on earth. I pray our Heavenly Father will give you a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Again, thank you!

P.S. We are still shipping FREEDOM DOCUMENTS. This is our giant compilation of 50 of the greatest documents of American history in one volume. We print only twice a year, and our current supply will not last much longer. These make wonderful Christmas gifts. Here is the original announcement regarding THE FREEDOM DOCUMENTS, and to order THE FREEDOM DOCUMENTS, go here.

Dr. Chuck Baldwin is the pastor of Crossroad Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. He hosts a weekly radio show. His website is here.