[Federal Register: January 15, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 10)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 2753-2756]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15ja09-170]


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Part V





The President





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Proclamation 8338--Religious Freedom Day, 2009


                        Presidential Documents




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Title 3--
The President

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                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.

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                 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]

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