At about this time in 1789, our country observes its first day of Thanksgiving and prayer. “[I]t is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God,” George Washington told the country, “to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor . . . .” The sentiment wasn’t new. Indeed, Washington often expressed his conviction that America would not exist but for the intervention of divine Providence—and that public thanks is a duty