In many schools in America, students are taught that the first Thanksgiving was held because the Pilgrims were thankful to the Indians for taking care of them. The truth is that they held a feast because they were grateful to God for protecting them and providing for their needs.
We should follow the lead of Congress in thanking God for our form of government. Oh, did I say follow Congress? Well, yes; the Congress that in 1787 approved our Constitution and knew exactly what the Founders intended for the relationship of church and state. Both Houses of Congress asked George Washington to declare "a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Washington himself added, "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."
This Thanksgiving, let's give thanks to God for our country.