1863: USA- Thanks giving to commemorate the Civil War

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issues a proclamation establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday, enjoining the nation to repent for “our national perverseness and disobedience” to God during the Civil War and asking forgiveness for the sins that led to so many deaths.

To: 
General public
From: 
Abraham Lincoln
Year of Apology: 
1863
Footnote: 
“How the Story Goes.” (Editorial.) New York Times. November 28, 2002; Ulrich, Laurel Thatcher.