Thanking God

Since the 1600's, America has traditionally observed days of giving thanks to God.  Even the governor of Virginia in 1779, Thomas Jefferson, who seems not to have been Christian, nevertheless believed in God and complied with the climate of faith to include God in this Thanksgiving proclamation:

"[I]mpressed with a grateful sense of the goodness of Almighty God, in blessing the greater part of this extensive continent  . .  and manifesting in multiplied instances his divine care of these infant states . . 

"[I]t becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise, for the wonders which his goodness has wrought  . .

"Resolved, that it be recommended to the several states to appoint Thursday the 9th of December next, to be a day of publick and solemn Thanksgiving to Almighty God, for his mercies, and of Prayer, for the continuance of his favour and protection to these United States"