[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 58 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL DAY OF REASON

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                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2013

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thursday, May 2, 
2013 as the National Day of Reason.
   The National Day of Reason celebrates the application of reason and 
the positive impact it has had on humanity. It is also an opportunity 
to reaffirm the Constitutional separation of religion and government.
   I have the privilege of representing Silicon Valley, where every day 
scientists and engineers employ the scientific method and apply reason 
to develop innovative technologies that help advance humanity. The 
application of reason, more than any other means, has proven to offer 
hope for human survival upon Earth, improving conditions within the 
universe, and cultivating intelligent, moral and ethical interactions 
among people and their environments.
   Our Founding Fathers based the Constitution of the United States, 
the basic document governing the affairs of people within the United 
States, upon philosophical principles that have their origins in the 
historical Age of Reason. It is important that on the National Day of 
Reason, we take time to remember and celebrate this history, including 
the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of religion and freedom from 
the imposition of religion by the state. Our nation's founders knew 
that the best way to protect religious freedom was to keep the 
government separate from religion.
   The National Day of Reason is also a time to continue the effort our 
Founding Fathers began to form a more perfect union. Every year, events 
such as food drives and blood drives are held on this day in which 
Americans help their fellow citizens and our nation as a whole. These 
community service events are just some of the many ways Americans will 
be working to help those in need on the Day of Reason and throughout 
the year.
   I encourage all citizens, residents and visitors to join in 
observing this day and focusing upon the employment of reason, critical 
thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry to the resolution of 
human problems and for the welfare of human kind.

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