[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 23, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 38049]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-18859]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 142 / Tuesday, July 23, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 38049]]

                Proclamation 6909 of July 18, 1996

                
Captive Nations Week, 1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                This year marks the 38th commemoration of Captive 
                Nations Week--a national expression of solidarity and 
                support for all those around the globe who suffer the 
                harshness of oppressive rule. Democracy and human 
                rights have made great advances in recent years, thanks 
                to the courageous efforts of determined men and women. 
                Yet, despite these strides, far too many people 
                throughout the world live without the benefits of 
                freedom. As this century draws to a close, we must 
                remember the millions who still live in fear and the 
                countless children denied the prospect of a bright 
                future by authoritarian regimes.

                The United States' commitment to liberty has ensured 
                over 200 years of justice and individual rights for our 
                citizens. We have worked hard to realize our founders' 
                vision of independence, and we cherish our proud 
                history of offering support and encouragement to others 
                who share that dream. In this post-Cold War era, when 
                ethnic, racial, and religious conflicts pose new 
                challenges to the global community, we must honor that 
                legacy and continue to build a future of international 
                stability and peace.

                This week and throughout the year, let us rededicate 
                ourselves to the promotion of liberty and universal 
                human rights for those who suffer under the yoke of 
                tyranny in other lands. The United States will continue 
                to champion political freedom for all races, religions, 
                creeds, and nationalities, pledging to keep faith with 
                people everywhere who cherish the fundamental values 
                that Americans have always held dear.

                The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved July 17, 
                1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the 
                President to issue a proclamation designating the third 
                week in July of each year as ``Captive Nations Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 21 
                through July 27, 1996, as Captive Nations Week. I call 
                upon the people of the United States to observe this 
                week with appropriate ceremonies and activities 
                celebrating the principles on which this Nation was 
                established and by which it will forever prosper.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and twenty-first.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-18859
Filed 7-22-96; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P