Proc. 7974 Title 3--The President As we observe and honor Dr. King's birthday, we are reminded that great causes often involve great sacrifices. In the five decades since Dr. King and Mrs. Parks stood together in Montgomery, Alabama, our country has made great progress toward equality for every citizen. Yet more work remains. In the words of Dr. King, "We will not be satisfied until 'iustice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.'" 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 Monday, }anuary 16, 2006, as the Martin Luther King, }r., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service pro- grams and activities in honor of the memory and legacy of Dr. King. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of }anuary, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7974 of January 13, 2006 Religious Freedom Day, 2006 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation The right to religious freedom is a foundation of America. On Religious Freedom Day, our Nation celebrates the passage of the 1786 Virginia Stat- ute for Religious Freedom and the protection of religious freedom in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Our Founding Fathers knew the importance of freedom of religion to a sta- ble democracy, and our Constitution protects individuals' rights to worship as they choose. We reject religious discrimination in every form, and we continue our efforts to oppose prejudice and to counter any infringements on religious freedom. Today, we are also working to advance freedom of religion abroad. The De- partment of State's Office of International Religious Freedom plays an im- portant role in these efforts, advocating for religious freedom and actively working against religious persecution around the world. In recent years, we have seen important progress, including in Vietnam, Laos, India, Georgia, and the United Arab Emirates, and with the release of many individuals in countries throughout the world who had been imprisoned because of their faith. By helping to secure the religious freedom of people in other countries, we promote the spread of liberty and human dignity. 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 }anuary 16, 2006, as Reli- gious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty, endeavor to preserve this freedom for future genera- tions, and commemorate this day with appropriate events and activities in their schools, places of worship, neighborhoods, and homes. 2
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