[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 121, 110th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

121 STAT. 2727
 
PROCLAMATION 8124--APR. 11, 2007


Proclamation 8124 of April 11, 2007
Thomas Jefferson Day, 2007
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On Thomas Jefferson Day, we commemorate the birthday of a monumental
figure whose place in our Nation's history will always be cherished.
Thomas Jefferson was a scholar, statesman, author, architect, and
patriot, and today we celebrate his many accomplishments and lasting
legacy.
Thomas Jefferson continues to capture our imagination because our
country still echoes his ideals. In 1776, as a young lawyer from
Virginia, he drafted the Declaration of Independence for the Continental
Congress and articulated the American creed. From that document was born
a Nation with a message of hope--that all men are created equal and
meant to be free. The words Jefferson penned were a bold statement of
revolutionary principles, and they have lifted the lives of millions in
America and around the world.
As the third President of the United States, Jefferson worked to realize
the vision he held for our young democracy. He signed legislation in
1802 that established the United States Military Academy at West Point,
New York, and began the great tradition of service academies that have
contributed immensely to the defense of our freedom. He believed in the
possibility of westward expansion, doubling the size of our Nation with
the Louisiana Purchase and encouraging the Lewis and Clark Expedition to
help open the unknown West for future development.
Thomas Jefferson served his fellow citizens in many other important
roles, including Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, and
Ambassador to France. Yet, of his many accomplishments, Thomas Jefferson
will always be remembered for his belief in liberty and in the ability
of citizens to govern their own country and their own lives. As we
celebrate his birthday, we are proud that the Nation he helped establish
remains free, independent, and true to the ideals of our founding.
Today, the United States of America is the world's foremost champion of
liberty, moving forward with confidence and strength, and an example to
the world of what free people can achieve.
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 of America, do hereby proclaim April 13, 2007,
as Thomas Jefferson Day. I encourage all citizens to join in celebrating
the achievements of this extraordinary American, reflecting on his
words, and learning more about his influence on our history and ideals.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
GEORGE W. BUSH