Each year, by Presidential Proclamation, January 16 is declared Religious Freedom Day.
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was signed January 16, 1786, and is commemorated each year on National Religious Freedom Day. Thomas Jefferson’s landmark statute became the basis for Congressman Fisher Ames’ establishment clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Consitution.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
The First Freedom Center in Richmond Virginia commemorates this day by holding an annual First Freedom Award banquet.
Since 1993, the President of the United States has proclaimed January 16 National Religious Freedom Day.