Thanksgiving in the Philippines (Part 2)
Contrary to the perception that Thanksgiving Day is not observed or alien in the Philippines, this was not so, as two Presidents, Manuel Quezon and our own Cebuano President, Don Sergio Osmeña, adopted the American custom. CEBUpedia is reprinting the two presidential orders:
(Continued from previous article)
“But in our appreciation of the blessings that Divine Providence has bestowed upon us in America, we shall not rejoice as the Pharisee rejoiced. War and strife still live in the world. Rather, must America by example and in practice help to bind the wounds of others, strive against disorder and aggression, encouraged the lessening of distrust among peoples and advance peaceful trade and friendship.
“The Future of many generations of mankind will be greatly guided by our acts in these present years. We hew a new trail.
“Let us then on the day appointed offer our devotions and our humble thanks to Almighty God and pray that the people of America will be guided by Him in helping their fellowmen.
“In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
“Done at the City of Washington this twelfth day of November, in the year of Our Lord Nineteen hundred and thirty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the One hundred and sixtieth.
“Don Sergio’s presidential order: PROCLAMATION NO. 22
“DESIGNATING THURSDAY, THE TWENTY-SECOND OF NOVEMBER, 1945, AS A DAY OF NATIONAL THANKSGIVING
“WHEREAS, the people of the Philippines traditionally observe a day of national thanksgiving; and
“WHEREAS, our gratitude to Divine Providence in this, the year of our liberation from direct oppression, is fervent and deep;
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, SERGIO OSMEÑA, President of the Philippines, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November twenty-second, nineteen hundred and forty-five, as a day of thanksgiving in the Philippines.
“Having passed through three bitter years of fire and blood and preserved an abiding faith in God and our destiny as a nation, remaining loyal to our ideals and institutions, we have emerged, spiritually, if not materially, the stronger for the test.
“We have deepened our understanding and our sense of unity and social responsibility, and may meet with fortitude the tasks which confront us.
“Not only do we once again live in freedom and at peace, but we have been privileged to make important advances preparatory to the work of reconstruction.
“Let us then, on the day appointed, each in his own way, but together as a people, repair to our respective, altars and houses of worship to offer our thanks to Almighty God for the blessings he has bestowed.
“In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Commonwealth of the Philippines to be affixed.
“Done at Honolulu, Hawaii, this 18th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and forty-five, and of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, the eleventh.” (Last of two parts)
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