| Dear friends and citizens, George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation [New York, 3 October 1789] By the President of the United States of America. a Proclamation. 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 whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation—for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war—for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed—for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted—for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. 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 enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually—to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed—to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord—To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us—and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. Thanksgiving Proclamation, 3 October 1789 And a sincere note of gratitude and thanks for all our members, supporters, partners and volunteers over the last year! The Virginia Council is only as strong as our members, our ideals, and the actions we take to preserve them. Here's to a dynamic and fruitful year: for all of you and our endeavors. The Board of The Virginia Council Sincerely,  Will McGurn Interim President, The Virginia Council  Sweet Potato pie, photo courtesy of Board member Anna Medinger Virginia Assembly, Senate & Governor updates: Youngkin honors his last Thanksgiving Tribute Ceremony as governor | WVTF By Brad Kutner Youngkin speaks on future plans, urges pro-business policies as Spanberger takeover nears By Alexia Stanbridge Youngkin advisers 'cautiously optimistic' about future tax revenues By Jahd Khalil (2) Bad Kitty Unleashed 🦁 💪🏻 on X: "Here’s their home page and their last years income. 😏 Now suddenly they got $20 million dollars! To recruit and train military, intelligence, and other federal employees. Look, there’s Abigail Spanberger of the CIA and Eugene Vindman. https://t.co/2BZBNjMdhI https://t.co/UlZOCzXmXN" / X Spanberger, Democratic leadership set to inherit drastically different budget thanks to federal cuts | WVTF By Brad Kutner Do Virginia localities need a "local income tax?" | WVTF By Michael Pope Meeting Local Needs with Fairer Local Taxes - The Commonwealth Institute - The Commonwealth Institute Falling enrollment, higher expenses complicate Virginia’s K-12 budget outlook • Virginia Mercury By Nathaniel Cline Virginia bill aims to ban police face coverings, open officers to lawsuits amid rise in ICE activity | 13newsnow.com By Kathleen Lundy Update: Sexual Assault Investigation by the VA Capitol Police By Josh Stanfield Virginia's rules on felon voting rights will soon change : NPR By Dean Mirshahi Virginia Beach assistant principal, brother accused of plotting violence against ICE, police say | 13newsnow.com By Kathleen Lundy, Leila Cox, & Christopher Collette Virginia sued over new social media age verification law By Brad Kutner US House committee launches antisemitism probe into Fairfax County Public Schools • Virginia Mercury By Shannon Heckt Va. Medicaid will stop quality-based bonuses for worst-performing nursing homes By Tyler Layne (2) Dave Wasserman on X: "New @CookPolitical: Could the White House's redistricting war backfire? Three GOP seats at severe risk if VA joins CA in adopting a Dem gerrymander: #VA01 Rob Wittman (R) #VA02 Jen Kiggans (R) #VA05 John McGuire (R) My full analysis, w/ maps: https://t.co/bfMBNZScjk" / X  Articles, News, & Quotes: Behind Virginia Democrats' blue wave of votes was a green wave of money. Some challengers outspent Republican incumbents 14-1 on television. - Cardinal News By Dwayne Yancey SCC approves Chesterfield gas plant and Dominion rate hike, creates new rate class for data centers • Virginia Mercury By Shannon Heckt Regulators OK Appalachian Power bill increase to cover renewable energy costs - Cardinal News By Matt Busse Ex-UVA football player who shot, killed fellow athletes receives 5 life sentences plus 23 years | Just The News By Natalia Mittelstadt Despite calls for a pause, presidential search committee says it will continue - The Cavalier Daily - University of Virginia's Student Newspaper By Cecilia Mould Doug Wetmore: The straight facts about UVa from a board member Virginia governors clash over UVA leadership crisis blamed on Trump DOJ By Lexis Lonas Cochran Missing Virginia high school football coach is wanted on child porn charges, police say - CBS News By CBS News ‘We’re toast’: Virginia GOP erupts in finger-pointing after sweeping Democratic wins • Virginia Mercury By Markus Schmidt Virginia communities push back against sewage sludge on agricultural land as PFAS concerns grow • Virginia Mercury By Shannon Heckt Judge Dismisses Cases Against James and Comey. What Next? By Zack Smith VIMS is breeding ribbed mussels for the first time, in hopes of boosting local shorelines By Katherine Hafner Officials hope focus on Hampton Roads' 'unique advantages' translates to decades of economic growth By Toby Cox A century in, Virginia’s turkey industry is a top producer nationwide • Virginia Mercury By Shannon Heckt  History & Tradition How George Washington used his first Thanksgiving as president to unite a new country • Virginia Mercury By Maurizio Valsania Thanksgiving | George Washington's Mount Vernon The Importance of Religious Liberty By Jason Chahyadi & Jordan Lorence Bedford unveils new memorial honoring those who fought in Vietnam By 10News Before the Pilgrims, first Thanksgiving celebrated in St. Augustine By University of Florida news The Mayflower Compact: As an Idea, America Began in 1620, Not 1776 By Lawrence W. Reed 'Grand Narrative History' Is Needed Now More Than Ever with Victor David Hanson Interviews & Videos of Interest  Democrats’ Dangerous Game of Federal Nullification By Victor Davis Hanson Here's The Truth About George Washington and Slavery By Prager U Virginia governors clash over UVA leadership crisis blamed on Trump DOJ By Nelson Velez with Jenny Beth Martin Defend Arlington on Happenings & History - November 21, 2025 interview with David McAllister The American Revolution | PBS All Episodes now streaming The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Liberty Trump Scores Election Security Win, but Could Be Fleeting By Fred Lucas America First Legal Files Amended Complaint in Landmark Lawsuit Challenging the 2020 Census, Adding Representative Byron Donalds as Plaintiff - America First Legal Today’s Firestorm and the Declaration - Imprimis By Larry P. Arnn A setback in Charlottesville and the fate of the George Rogers Clark monument  By Breccan F. Thies with quotes from Ann McLean UVA To Desecrate Monument For Revolutionary War Hero Help us to stop the further destruction and degradation of our historic past today! Help us fight for an honest, legal process to determine the fate of these historic pieces of art from Richmond. Decisions made by the mob are not a democratic process, but tyrannical. There have been some victories, but Virginia's monuments and history are still at risk of being erased. PLEASE DONATE HERE Moses Ezekiel birthday observance and the fate of The Reconciliation Monument Special virtual event 8 pm registration below: Nov 17 25 birthday report Announcing The Virginia Council membership reward program. Sign up today on our website for the various levels of support!" Freedom Member level: Simple membership is free when you sign up for our email newsletter or attend a monthly meeting. Liberty level: For an annual contribution of $100 you get the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings and a commemorative Virginia Council lapel pin. Patriot level: When you step up to make an annual contribution of $250 you receive first access to tickets to our annual Christmas and Patriot Parties, the commemorative Virginia Council pin, and the newsletter and monthly meeting access. President's Council level: For a commitment of $1000 you receive the newsletter, access to our monthly meetings, 2 lapel pins, 2 invitations to both of our annual parties, and 2 VIP tickets to one Virginia Forum lecture of your choice. We hope you'll find these rewards an added incentive to help fund our efforts to restore a full view of Virginia's history, monuments & role that government plays in our lives. We appreciate all your support and encouragement and look forward to bringing you more compelling voices of liberty, freedom, and conscience over the next year. To become a Liberty, Patriot, or President's Council member, please make a contribution here. To volunteer, click here. The Executive Board of the Virginia Council If you are interested in donating appreciated securities, we now have an account to make it easy for you (see the information below). Contact us HERE for more details.  The Virginia Council Preserving Virginia’s history and creating a more prosperous future for all Virginians. Stay Hopeful. Stay Connected. P. O. Box 5 Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103, United States |
