Dear Editor:

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.”

Above is the first of three paragraphs from George Washington’s proclamation, published on 3 October 1789. The rest of this document can be found at: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091

How far we have strayed from appropriate religious principles being part of the public square. Due to our collective shame, ignorance and finger-pointing, we are reaping an ungodly harvest of such a vacuum. Currently “the devil laugheth and his angels rejoice.”

Leo R. Lindquist

Balaton