[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 57639-57640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-28804]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 57639]]


                Proclamation 7499 of November 9, 2001

                
World Freedom Day, 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During the Cold War, freedom and authoritarianism 
                clashed. Countries and entire regions suffered under 
                repressive ideologies that sought to trample human 
                dignity. Today, freedom is again threatened. Like the 
                fascists and totalitarians before them, Al Qaida, the 
                Taliban regime that supports them, and other terrorist 
                groups across the world seek to impose their radical 
                views through threats and violence.

                The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, stands 
                as the turning point of the Cold War and a significant 
                landmark in freedom's victory over tyranny. The Wall 
                stood as a grim symbol of the separation of free people 
                and those living under dictatorships. We honor the 
                spirit and perseverance of those who strived for 
                freedom in East Germany and under other repressive 
                regimes. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, many 
                countries have achieved freedom via the ballot box, 
                through political pressure rising from their citizens, 
                or as a result of the settlement of internal or 
                regional conflicts. We celebrate the new freedom in 
                which much of the world lives today.

                On World Freedom Day, we also recognize that more than 
                2 billion people still live under authoritarian 
                regimes. From Burma to Cuba, Belarus to Zimbabwe, 
                citizens of many countries suffer under repressive 
                governments. Our thoughts today especially turn to the 
                people of Afghanistan. These men, women, and children 
                suffer at the hands of the repressive Taliban regime, 
                which, as we know, aids and abets terrorists.

                In every oppressive nation, pro-democracy activists are 
                working to stoke the fires of freedom, often at great 
                personal risk. As we mark November 9, World Freedom 
                Day, I encourage Americans to support those who seek to 
                lead their people out of oppression.

                On World Freedom Day, we also honor those who, at this 
                moment, fight for freedom half a world away. On 
                September 11, freedom was attacked, but liberty and 
                justice will prevail. Like the fall of the Berlin Wall 
                and the defeat of totalitarianism in Central and 
                Eastern Europe, freedom will triumph in this war 
                against terrorism.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2001, as World 
                Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United 
                States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies 
                and activities and to reaffirm their devotion to the 
                aspirations of all people for freedom and democracy.

[[Page 57640]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-28804
Filed 11-14-01; 9:34 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P