[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 13 (Friday, January 20, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 2907-2908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1194]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 13 / Friday, January 20, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 2907]]


                Proclamation 8774 of January 13, 2012

                
Religious Freedom Day, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For nearly four centuries, men and women have 
                immigrated to America's shores in pursuit of religious 
                freedom. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and faiths, 
                countless settlers have shared a simple aspiration--to 
                practice their beliefs free from prejudice and 
                persecution. In 1786, the Virginia General Assembly 
                took a bold step toward preserving this fundamental 
                liberty by passing the Virginia Statute for Religious 
                Freedom, which brought to life the ideal of religious 
                tolerance from the texts of the Enlightenment in the 
                laws of state. On Religious Freedom Day, we celebrate 
                this historic milestone, reflect upon the Statute's 
                declaration that ``Almighty God hath created the mind 
                free,'' and reaffirm that the American people will 
                remain forever unshackled in matters of faith.

                Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Virginia Statute 
                formed the basis for the First Amendment, which has 
                preserved religious freedom for both believers and non-
                believers for over 220 years. As our Nation has grown, 
                so too has its diversity of faiths, cultures, and 
                traditions; today, individuals of rich and varied 
                beliefs call America home and seek to follow their 
                consciences in peace. Our long history of religious 
                tolerance and pluralism has strengthened our country, 
                helped create a vibrant civil society, and remained 
                true to the principles enshrined in our founding 
                documents.

                Our Nation is committed to religious liberty not only 
                for all Americans, but also for individuals around the 
                world. Internationally, we bear witness to those who 
                live in fear of violence and discrimination because of 
                their beliefs. My Administration continues to stand 
                with all who are denied the ability to choose, express, 
                or live their faith freely, and we remain dedicated to 
                protecting this universal human right and the vital 
                role it plays in ensuring peace and stability for all 
                nations.

                Today, as we reflect on the many ways religious freedom 
                enriches our country and our lives, let us lend our 
                voice to all people striving to exercise their innate 
                right to a free mind.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2012, as 
                Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to 
                commemorate this day with events and activities that 
                teach us about this critical foundation of our Nation's 
                liberty, and show us how we can protect it for future 
                generations at home and around the world.

[[Page 2908]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-1194
Filed 1-19-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P