The National Day of Reason is an observance held on May 4th of each year and is supported and endorsed by a consortium of leaders from within the community of reason. The goal of this effort is to celebrate truth and reason—concepts all Americans can support—and to raise public awareness about the persistent threat to religious freedom posed by attempts to eradicate the secular fiber of our democracy.
Each year, Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) introduces a resolution that seeks to recognize May 4th as a “National Day of Reason”. The resolution supports the designation of a National Day of Reason to encourage a focus on the central importance of reason, critical thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry to resolving social problems and promoting human welfare. You may read the 2024 resolution here.
The National Day of Reason also exists to inspire the secular community to be visible and active, in order to set an example for how to effect positive change. For example, local organizations may decide to encourage local governments to introduce a local resolution similar to the national one. Regardless of how local organizations choose to label their “Day of Reason” event (perhaps they utilize the labels ‘Day of Action’, ‘Day of Service’, or ‘Rational Day of Care’, for example), the message remains of providing a positive and useful way to inspire secular government, inclusivity, and humanitarian action.