The President’s official proclamation of Religious Freedom Day recognizes the basis for the First Amendment.  On January 16, 1786 Thomas Jefferson’s Statute for Religious Freedom was passed by the Virginia General Assembly repudiating the status of The Church of England as the official religion of Virginia.

Jefferson was motivated by the infringement on religious freedom for any other than Anglicans (Episcopalians) in Virginia.  His ideas for religious freedom originated with his experiences with Baptist congregations who suffered persecution in the state.

Jefferson’s efforts led to freedom of religion for all Americans.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

15 years have passed since that crisp fall morning when Americans were shocked out of their daily routines as they stood stunned at the spectacle of attacks on the World Trade Center, then the Pentagon and finally the crash at Shanksville.  Through the hours and days that followed Americans watched as firemen, police and average citizens worked to save lives and restore security to our nation.  The best of America was on display in the midst of the worst attack on US soil.  We will never forget.