[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 138 (Tuesday, July 19, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 43109-43110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-18367]



[[Page 43107]]

Vol. 76

Tuesday,

No. 138

July 19, 2011

Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 8692--Captive Nations Week, 2011
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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 138 / Tuesday, July 19, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 43109]]

                Proclamation 8692 of July 15, 2011

                
Captive Nations Week, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                There are times in the course of history when the 
                actions of ordinary people yearning for freedom ignite 
                the desires of people everywhere. Such brave actions 
                led to the birth of our Nation, the fall of the Soviet 
                Union, and countless other achievements that have 
                shaped our world. During Captive Nations Week, we 
                remember the men and women throughout the world still 
                suffering under oppressive regimes, and we underscore 
                our commitment to advancing freedom's cause.

                President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Captive 
                Nations Week Proclamation in 1959 amidst an escalating 
                Cold War, affirming America's support for the 
                individual liberties of those living under Communist 
                oppression. Our world has transformed dramatically 
                since President Eisenhower first proclaimed Captive 
                Nations Week. The burst of freedom following the fall 
                of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union 
                led to the emergence of new democracies that are now 
                steadfast allies of the United States and key 
                contributors to the expansion of human rights 
                worldwide.

                With each generation, people have breathed new life 
                into democratic ideals, striving for personal freedom, 
                political and economic reform, and justice. The United 
                States stands firmly behind all those who seek to 
                exercise their basic human rights. We will continue to 
                oppose the use of violence and repression and support 
                the universal rights of freedom of religion, 
                expression, and peaceful assembly; equality for men and 
                women under the rule of law; and the right of people to 
                choose their leaders.

                This week, we rededicate ourselves to promoting 
                democratic values, economic development, and respect 
                for human dignity, and we express our solidarity with 
                freedom-seeking people everywhere whose future reflects 
                our greatest hope for peace.

                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 of July of each year as ``Captive Nations Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 17 
                through July 23, 2011, as Captive Nations Week. I call 
                upon the people of the United States to reaffirm our 
                deep commitment to all those working for human rights 
                and dignity around the world.

[[Page 43110]]

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

[FR Doc. 2011-18367
Filed 7-18-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P