BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Public Presidential proclamations make a statement. The proclamations we are highlighting occurred during President Trump’s first four years in office. Each was sourced via the Federal Register, which is part of Truth Trench Resources.
These documents tell a story of the character of President Trump. Each document has its own intention. U.S. presidents make proclamations as a way to officially and publicly declare specific observances, events, or issues of national significance. These proclamations serve several important purposes.
- Raising Awareness: Proclamations help raise awareness about various issues, events, or causes. By officially recognizing these matters, the president can draw the public’s attention to them.
- Promoting Causes: Presidents use proclamations to promote various causes and initiatives. For instance, a president may issue a proclamation in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early detection and research.
- Supporting Policies: Proclamations may also be employed to support specific policy initiatives or to signal the president’s commitment to addressing particular issues.
- Honoring Individuals or Groups: Proclamations can be a means of honoring individuals, groups, or organizations for their contributions or achievements. This recognition can have a significant impact and serve as an inspiration to others.
- Celebrating Achievements: Proclamations are often used to celebrate achievements, milestones, or historical events. For example, a president may issue a proclamation to mark an anniversary of a significant historical event.
- Expressing Sympathy or Condolences: Proclamations can also be used to express sympathy or condolences in the event of national tragedies, disasters, or the passing of prominent individuals.
- Preserving Historical and Cultural Heritage: Some proclamations are aimed at preserving historical and cultural heritage, such as designating National Historic Landmarks or commemorating cultural heritage months.
Proclamations are a way for the president to use the “bully pulpit” to communicate with the American people and highlight issues and events of national importance. They can serve as a means of promoting unity, providing recognition, and encouraging civic engagement. They are significant pieces of interest for understanding the motives of a President.
Public Presidential proclamations made by Donald J. Trump may hold the key to better understanding his motives and his vision for America.
Originally posted to the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/01/22/2018-01234/religious-freedom-day-2018
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY, 2018
9690
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Faith is embedded in the history, spirit, and soul of our
Nation. On Religious Freedom Day, we celebrate the many faiths
that make up our country, and we commemorate the 232nd
anniversary of the passing of a State law that has shaped and
secured our cherished legacy of religious liberty.
Our forefathers, seeking refuge from religious persecution,
believed in the eternal truth that freedom is not a gift from
the government, but a sacred right from Almighty God. On the
coattails of the American Revolution, on January 16, 1786, the
Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia Statute of
Religious Freedom. This seminal bill, penned by Thomas
Jefferson, states that, “all men shall be free to profess, and
by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion,
and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect
their civil capacities.” Five years later, these principles
served as the inspiration for the First Amendment, which affirms
our right to choose and exercise faith without government
coercion or reprisal.
Today, Americans from diverse ethnic and religious
backgrounds remain steadfast in a commitment to the inherent
values of faith, honesty, integrity, and patriotism. Our
Constitution and laws guarantee Americans the right not just to
believe as they see fit, but to freely exercise their religion.
Unfortunately, not all have recognized the importance of
religious freedom, whether by threatening tax consequences for
particular forms of religious speech, or forcing people to
This document is scheduled to be published in the
Federal Register on 01/22/2018 and available online at
https://federalregister.gov/d/2018-01234, and on FDsys.gov
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comply with laws that violate their core religious beliefs
without sufficient justification. These incursions, little by
little, can destroy the fundamental freedom underlying our
democracy. Therefore, soon after taking office, I addressed
these issues in an Executive Order that helps ensure Americans
are able to follow their consciences without undue Government
interference and the Department of Justice has issued guidance
to Federal agencies regarding their compliance with laws that
protect religious freedom. No American — whether a nun, nurse,
baker, or business owner — should be forced to choose between
the tenets of faith or adherence to the law.
The United States is also the paramount champion for
religious freedom around the world, because we do not believe
that conscience rights are only for Americans. We will continue
to condemn and combat extremism, terrorism, and violence against
people of faith, including genocide waged by the Islamic State
of Iraq and Syria against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims.
We will be undeterred in our commitment to monitor religious
persecution and implement policies that promote religious
freedom. Through these efforts, we strive for the day when
people of all faiths can follow their hearts and worship
according to their consciences.
The free exercise of religion is a source of personal and
national stability, and its preservation is essential to
protecting human dignity. Religious diversity strengthens our
communities and promotes tolerance, respect, understanding, and
equality. Faith breathes life and hope into our world. We must
diligently guard, preserve, and cherish this unalienable right.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in
me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do
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hereby proclaim January 16, 2018, as Religious Freedom Day.
I call on all Americans to commemorate this day with events and
activities that remind us of our shared heritage of religious
liberty and teach us to secure this blessing both at home and
abroad.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord
two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
[FR Doc. 2018-01234 Filed: 1/19/2018 11:15 am; Publication Date: 1/22/2018]