[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 15 (Monday, April 16, 2001)]
[Pages 610-611]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7426--Thomas Jefferson Day, 2001

April 12, 2001

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Our Nation's Founding Fathers overcame enormous obstacles to 
establish a system of government unequaled in history. We are the 
beneficiaries of their sacrifice, courage, and honor. But among these 
legendary patriots, Thomas Jefferson remains unique as the one who 
articulated the essential values and principles of American liberty and 
freedom. Today, we gather here to celebrate the birthday of Thomas 
Jefferson and to reflect on his enduring contributions to the United 
States and the world.
    Few Americans have shaped our collective destiny as thoroughly and 
as originally as Thomas Jefferson. His achievements are breathtaking in 
their scope and diversity. Beyond his achievements in public life as 
Governor of Virginia, author of the Statute of Virginia for Religious 
Freedom, Secretary of State, third President of the United States, and 
founder of the University of Virginia, Jefferson was a scholar, author, 
naturalist, inventor, bibliophile, and architect.
    As President, Jefferson supported the Lewis and Clark expedition and 
concluded the $15 million purchase of the Louisiana Territory from 
France. He sold his personal library to the Library of Congress to 
replace its collection destroyed by the British in the War of 1812.
    Thomas Jefferson's crowning achievement, however, was the 
Declaration of Independence. As its primary author, Jefferson drafted an 
immortal document that altered the way the world viewed the relationship 
between government and the governed. Jefferson's assertion of 
``inalienable rights'' including ``life, liberty, and the pursuit of 
happiness'' established the democratic standard by which our Nation 
would measure itself. Many other nations and peoples likewise strive to 
measure up to the standard set forth in the Declaration of Independence.
    Thomas Jefferson's words are as thrilling and inspiring in 2001 as 
they must have been to his revolutionary allies in 1776. Our Nation has 
changed, our technology has progressed, but our basic love for liberty 
and freedom remains the same. As proud Americans, we must work together 
to maintain the vigor and strength of Jefferson's vision and to fulfill 
its promise of a better life for all our citizens. Doing this is our 
responsibility, and our gift, to the man who laid the foundation for 
what became the freest nation in the world.
    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, 2001, 
as Thomas Jefferson Day. I encourage all Americans to join in this 
celebration of Thomas Jefferson's achievements, and to learn more about 
his unique influence on our history, traditions, and values.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., April 16, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
April 17.

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