[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 10 (Thursday, January 15, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 2755-2756]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-1032]



[[Page 2753]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part V





The President





-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Proclamation 8338--Religious Freedom Day, 2009
 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 10 / Thursday, January 15, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 2755]]

                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.

[[Page 2756]]

                 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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-1032
Filed 1-14-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P