VOA慢速英语:华盛顿总统将感恩节定为全国性节日

proclamation - n. an official statement or announcement made by a person in power or by a government

echo - v. to have a feature or quality that repeats or resembles (something else)

rite of passage - n. an act that is a symbol of an important change in someone's life

participate - v. to be involved with others in doing something : to take part in an activity or event with others

cement - v. to make (something) stronger