Religious Freedom Day, 2009

Proclamation 8338 of January 13, 2009

Religious Freedom Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Religious freedom is the foundation of a healthy and
hopeful society. On Religious Freedom Day, we recognize
the importance of the 1786 passage of the Virginia
Statute for Religious Freedom. We also celebrate the
first liberties enshrined in our Constitution's Bill of
Rights, which guarantee the free exercise of religion
for all Americans and prohibit an establishment of
religion.

Our Nation was founded by people seeking haven from
religious persecution, and the religious liberty they
found here remains one of this land's greatest
blessings. As Americans, we believe that all people
have inherent dignity and worth. Though we may profess
different creeds and worship in different manners and
places, we respect each other's humanity and expression
of faith. People with diverse views can practice their
faiths here while living together in peace and harmony,
carrying on our Nation's noble tradition of religious
freedom.

The United States also stands with religious dissidents
and believers from around the globe who practice their
faith peacefully. Freedom is not a grant of government
or a right for Americans alone; it is the birthright of
every man, woman, and child throughout the world. No
human freedom is more fundamental than the right to
worship in accordance with one's conscience.

Religious Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate
our legacy of religious liberty, foster a culture of
tolerance and peace, and renew commitments to ensure
that every person on Earth can enjoy these basic human
rights.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2009, as
Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to
reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty,
endeavor to preserve this freedom for future
generations, and commemorate this day with appropriate
events and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.