    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8474--JAN. 15, 2010

    Proclamation 8474 of January 15, 2010
    Religious Freedom Day, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Long before our Nation's independence, weary settlers sought refuge on
    our shores to escape religious persecution on other continents.
    Recognizing their strife and toil, it was the genius of America's
    forefathers to protect our freedom of religion, including the freedom to
    practice none at all. Many faiths are now practiced in our Nation's
    houses of worship, and that diversity is built upon a rich tradition of
    religious tolerance. On this day, we commemorate an early realization of
    our Nation's founding ideals: Virginia's 1786 Statute for Religious
    Freedom.
    The Virginia Statute was more than a law. It was a statement of
    principle, declaring freedom of religion as the natural right of all
    humanity--not a privilege for any government to give or take away.
    Penned by Thomas Jefferson and championed in the Virginia legislature by
    James Madison, it barred compulsory support of any church and ensured
    the freedom of all people to profess their faith openly, without fear of
    persecution. Five years later, the First Amendment of our Bill of Rights
    followed the Virginia Statute's model, stating, ``Congress shall make no
    law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
    exercise thereof . . .''.
    Our Nation's enduring commitment to the universal human right of
    religious freedom extends beyond our borders as we advocate for all who
    are denied the ability to choose and live their faith. My Administration
    will continue to oppose growing trends in many parts of the world to
    restrict religious expression.
    Faith can bring us closer to one another, and our freedom to practice
    our faith and follow our conscience is central to our ability to live in
    harmony. On Religious Freedom Day, let us pledge our constant support to
    all who struggle against religious oppression and rededicate ourselves
    to fostering peace with those whose beliefs differ from our own. In
    doing so, we reaffirm our common humanity and respect for all people
    with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.

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    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, 2010, 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 here and around the world.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
    January, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fourth.
    BARACK OBAMA