A Thanksgiving Prayer from the Greatest Generation

General Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright (1883-1953), the Hero of Corregidor, offered the following prayer in Seattle, Washington on November 22, 1945, the first post-World War II Thanksgiving:

“Oh, God, our Father, today we give Thee thanks for the things we take for granted, for freedom, for security of life, for food and shelter, and the presence of loved ones…. We thank Thee that once again men may have hope, opportunity to work and plan for a better future, a chance to secure peace, and an ampler life for themselves and their children.

“Keep us humble in the day of victory, make us wise in the presence of great problems, strong and brave in the face of any danger, and sympathetic and generous as we face the appalling need of a war-torn world.

“In gratitude for all those who paid the price of victory we now ask Thy guidance as we dedicate ourselves to that cause for which they gave their last full measure of devotion. Lord of Hosts, be with us yet, lest we forget!”

These truths of this Thanksgiving meditation are as valid today as they were when first uttered in the Evergreen State some 74 years ago.