| National Religious Freedom Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | The United States of America |
| Date | First Thursday in May |
| 2011 date | May 5 |
| 2012 date | May 3 |
| 2013 date | May 2 |
| Related to | National Day of Prayer, Thanksgiving |
National Religious Freedom Day commemorates the Virginia General Assembly's adoption of Thomas Jefferson's landmark Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. This vital document became the basis for the establishment clause, and led to freedom of religion for all Americans as protected in the religion clause in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.[1]
Religious Freedom Day is officially proclaimed on January 16 each year by an annual statement by the President of the United States. This day is commemorated by the First Freedom Center in Richmond, Virginia by an annual First Freedom Award banquet.