[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 217 (Thursday, November 12, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 58531-58532]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-27366]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 217 / Thursday, November 12, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 58531]]


                Proclamation 8452 of November 9, 2009

                
World Freedom Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Twenty years ago today, the Wall came down in Berlin 
                and both a country and a continent came together. After 
                thousands of East Berliners flooded through checkpoints 
                into West Berlin, border restrictions dissolved across 
                Eastern Bloc countries. The Iron Curtain that divided 
                Europe for decades finally fell, ushering in a new era 
                of freedom and cooperation. On this anniversary, we are 
                reminded that no challenge is too great for a world 
                united in common purpose.

                After the Berlin Wall fell, oppressive regimes across 
                the globe gave way. From Kiev to Cape Town, prison 
                camps closed and democracy's doors were unlocked for 
                millions who had known only tyranny. Markets opened 
                too, spreading information and technology that 
                empowered once-insolvent nations to achieve prosperity. 
                Twenty years later, our world is more interconnected 
                than at any time in human history, giving rise to new 
                opportunities for shared progress.

                Today, the barriers that challenge our world are not 
                walls of cement and iron, but ones of fear, 
                irresponsibility, and indifference. History reminds us 
                that such walls can be torn down, but where they still 
                exist we must work with all nations to strengthen civil 
                societies, support democratic institutions and the rule 
                of law, and promote free and fair electoral processes. 
                Upholding these principles into the 21st century will 
                require America's enduring commitment and steady 
                leadership.

                From our first days as a Nation, Americans have felt a 
                sense of urgency and determination to promote liberty 
                and release the potential within each individual to 
                contribute to the common good. On World Freedom Day, we 
                celebrate the thriving democracies of Central and 
                Eastern Europe, and we honor their citizens' right to 
                choose their own destinies and contribute to their 
                nations' future success.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2009, as 
                World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United 
                States to observe this day in fellowship with other 
                nations and people of the world with appropriate 
                ceremonies and activities, reaffirming our dedication 
                to freedom and democracy.

[[Page 58532]]

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

[FR Doc. E9-27366
Filed 11-10-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P