[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 142 (Wednesday, July 23, 2008)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 43051-43052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-1464]



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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 8274--Captive Nations Week, 2008
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  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 142 / Wednesday, July 23, 2008 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 8274 of July 18, 2008

                
Captive Nations Week, 2008

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Freedom is the longing of every soul and the birthright 
                of all mankind. During Captive Nations Week, we 
                underscore our commitment to advancing democracy, 
                defending liberty, and protecting human rights around 
                the world.

                It is in our Nation's interest to help those who are 
                suffering under oppressive regimes defeat the 
                ideologues of hate with an ideology of hope. Advancing 
                the cause of liberty advances the cause of peace. A 
                free society upholds justice and defends human dignity. 
                Over the years, many have underestimated the power of 
                freedom to overcome tyranny, but history has shown us 
                that freedom will prevail.

                In the 20th century, the evils of Soviet communism and 
                Nazi fascism were defeated and freedom spread around 
                the world as new democracies emerged. Today, our Nation 
                faces new struggles with adversaries who murder the 
                innocent and seek to subject millions to their violent, 
                totalitarian rule. Still, we remain confident that the 
                light of liberty will again overcome this darkness.

                To bring that day about, we must support young 
                democracies in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. In 
                countries like Belarus, Burma, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, 
                Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe, people continue to live 
                under oppressive regimes, and we will work for the day 
                when all these nations are free. By opposing these 
                despots and helping young democracies grow, we will lay 
                the foundation of peace and prosperity for generations 
                to come. Throughout Captive Nations Week, we renew our 
                pledge that as people across the world find their own 
                paths to freedom, they will also find a friend in the 
                United States of America.

                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, 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 July 20 through July 26, 
                2008, as Captive Nations Week. I call upon the people 
                of the United States to reaffirm our commitment to all 
                those seeking liberty, justice, and self-determination.

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                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 08-1464
Filed 07-22-08; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W8-P