[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 45, Number 2 (Monday, January 19, 2009)]
[Page 71]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8338--Religious Freedom Day, 2009

January 13, 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.
    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.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:15 a.m., January 14, 
2009]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on January 
15.