Thomas Jefferson Day, 2007

Proclamation 8124 of April 11, 2007

Thomas Jefferson Day, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Thomas Jefferson Day, we commemorate the birthday of
a monumental figure whose place in our Nation's history
will always be cherished. Thomas Jefferson was a
scholar, statesman, author, architect, and patriot, and
today we celebrate his many accomplishments and lasting
legacy.

Thomas Jefferson continues to capture our imagination
because our country still echoes his ideals. In 1776,
as a young lawyer from Virginia, he drafted the
Declaration of Independence for the Continental
Congress and articulated the American creed. From that
document was born a Nation with a message of hope--that
all men are created equal and meant to be free. The
words Jefferson penned were a bold statement of
revolutionary principles, and they have lifted the
lives of millions in America and around the world.

As the third President of the United States, Jefferson
worked to realize the vision he held for our young
democracy. He signed legislation in 1802 that
established the United States Military Academy at West
Point, New York, and began the great tradition of
service academies that have contributed immensely to
the defense of our freedom. He believed in the
possibility of westward expansion, doubling the size of
our Nation with the Louisiana Purchase and encouraging
the Lewis and Clark Expedition to help open the unknown
West for future development.

Thomas Jefferson served his fellow citizens in many
other important roles, including Governor of Virginia,
Secretary of State, and Ambassador to France. Yet, of
his many accomplishments, Thomas Jefferson will always
be remembered for his belief in liberty and in the
ability of citizens to govern their own country and
their own lives. As we celebrate his birthday, we are
proud that the Nation he helped establish remains free,
independent, and true to the ideals of our founding.
Today, the United States of America is the world's
foremost champion of liberty, moving forward with
confidence and strength, and an example to the world of
what free people can achieve.

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 of America, do hereby proclaim April 13, 2007,
as Thomas Jefferson Day. I encourage all citizens to
join in celebrating the achievements of this
extraordinary American, reflecting on his words, and
learning more about his influence on our history and
ideals.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eleventh day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.