Proposed Petition to WH for Vesak 2016

The United States is a land of great promise for people of faith. For centuries, peoples have come from across the globe to practice their beliefs in the midst of the broad and open community that our country and its constitution promises to protect. And as we strive towards a more perfect union, we have increasingly pushed back the obstacles for faithful religious people to fully participate in civic life. Just 55 years ago, John F. Kenndy’s Catholic faith was openly discussed as a possible impediment to his election as president. Now, we happily celebrate the traditions of many faiths, even within the halls of the White House. The White House has been the venue for prayer breakfasts bringing together Christians of all denominations, seders to mark the solemn events of Passover, the lighting of lamps of Diwali, and iftar dinners to break the Ramadan fast. Unfortunately, there is a faith held by millions of Americans that has never had its own celebration at the White House: Buddhism. Buddhists have been part of the American melting pot since the mid-nineteenth century. They come from all ethnic backgrounds, from newly arrived immigrants to families that have been on this continent since before the founding of our republic. They have fought in our wars, helped build our nation’s infrastructure, and founded companies which have created thousands of jobs and brought us some of the most important products of our generation. We ask your help, whether you are a Buddhist yourself or merely someone who supports the right of all religious people to have their faith treated with equal dignity and respect, in asking the White House for the same kind of recognition it has given other American religions and marking Vesak Day, the most important Buddhist holiday, with an official annual message and public commemoration attended by the President of the United States of America.

What is Vesak? Vesak is the day of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing away. It is observed on the full moon day of May. It is the most important holy day of the Buddhist calendar.

Why does White House recognition matter? The White House needs to recognize equally all religious traditions. In a democracy like the US which prides itself on equal rights to all citizens, this official recognition and celebration of Buddhism (a major religion) by the US President needs to be done. The US President has done so for Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. Buddhism is thus the only one that has not received this dignified honor.

How many Buddhists are there in the United States? Roughly 1% of the US population is Buddhist and it is growing. Many Asian as well as non-Asian Americans are Buddhists.