The anniversary of the birth of the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—is again officially a day of special note for American citizens. President Barack Obama signed a proclamation declaring April 19, 2016 (corresponding to the 11th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan) as “Education and Sharing Day, USA.”

The day marks the 114th anniversary of the Rebbe’s birth.

In a document dated April 18, the president honored the Rebbe’s longstanding efforts in education for Jews and non-Jews alike. “The Rebbe’s lifetime of contribution imparts a reminder of the tremendous importance of making sure every child has the tools and resources they need to grow, flourish and pursue their dreams,” wrote the president.

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“On this day, let us carry forward the Rebbe’s legacy by recognizing the limitless potential of each young person and empowering the next generation to lead our country, and our world, toward an ever brighter tomorrow.”

The first public recognition of the anniversary of the Rebbe’s birth was prompted in 1978 by Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, at the time the Rebbe’s personal envoy to Washington, D.C., who worked with congressional members to urge U.S. President Jimmy Carter to declare the day “Education and Sharing Day” in the Rebbe’s honor.

The day was formally inaugurated on April 18, 1978, and has been deemed such by all succeeding presidents.

A few years later, in recognition of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s 80th birthday, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives issued House Joint Resolution 447 to set aside April 4, 1982, as a “National Day of Reflection.”

At the time, President Ronald Reagan declared: “The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s work stands as a reminder that knowledge is an unworthy goal unless it is accompanied by moral and spiritual wisdom and understanding. He has provided a vivid example of the eternal validity of the Seven Noahide Laws, a moral code for all of us, regardless of religious faith. May he go from strength to strength.”