On Sunday, April 13, 2014, we celebrated the 271st anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s birth. We remember Jefferson for the several public offices he held at the local, state, and federal level, but moreover, we recognize his great contributions within and outside of those positions that fundamentally shaped our Commonwealth and our nation.

Jefferson’s tombstone marks what he considered to be his three greatest accomplishments: “author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and father of the University of Virginia,” notably omitting the public offices he held including, Governor, Secretary of State, and President. Unconcerned with those titles, Jefferson truly exemplified what it means to be a public servant.

He shaped our political philosophy, leaving his fingerprint on nearly every foundational element of our government- most notably drafting the Declaration of Independence. He was a fierce advocate for individual liberties, which he demonstrated both in his writings and his own governing. He believed that personal responsibility was vital to democracy and sought to keep the powers of the federal government limited to avoid encroaching on the responsibilities of local and state governments. While in Virginia’s House of Delegates, Jefferson promoted religious freedom, authoring Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, and was fundamental to establishing the separation between church and state. He also fought for public education, believing it was a fundamental tenet of a democratic nation and founding what remains one of the nation’s top universities.

Jefferson was a man of many interests and pursuits, as he is also well known for his inventions and study of architecture, design, horticulture, and archaeology. He was passionate about wine-making and cooking. He was also an avid collector of books, who later founded the Library of Congress.

On Friday, as part of the University of Virginia’s Founders Day Celebration, I had the privilege of attending the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals Presentation in Charlottesville. These medals are the highest external honors bestowed by Mr. Jefferson’s University, which does not grant any honorary degrees. The medals recognize achievements of those who embrace endeavors in which Jefferson excelled and held in high regard. This year, Toyo Ito, Kenneth R. Feinberg, and former U.S. Senator James H. Webb, Jr. were honored for their contributions in Architecture, Law, and Citizen Leadership.

We hope you’ll joining us in celebrating Thomas Jefferson’s life and the profound impacts his contributions continue to have on our great nation.