National Religious Freedom Day is celebrated in the United States of America annually on January 16. The Virginia State Assembly adopted Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. The Statute was drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1777. The special day calls upon the people of America to “observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship.” people of America celebrate the country's long‑standing commitment to freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess one’s own faith.