[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 68043-68044]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27918]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 68043]]

                Proclamation 8903 of November 9, 2012

                
World Freedom Day, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                There are times in the course of history when the 
                actions of ordinary citizens spark movements for change 
                because they speak to a longing for freedom that has 
                been building up for years. So it was in Berlin on 
                November 9, 1989, when the German people began tearing 
                down a wall that divided them from their loved ones and 
                symbolized a system that denied them universal human 
                rights. In the face of tyranny, many individuals spoke 
                with one voice. They insisted the world could change--
                and knowing that destiny is what human beings make of 
                it, they courageously realized the change they sought.

                Today, we commemorate the collapse of the Iron Curtain 
                and celebrate the freedom that grew in its place. We 
                also remember that for many, the walls of oppression 
                still stand, and the human rights we honor today are 
                still beyond reach. People around the world continue to 
                demand fundamental liberties they are denied--freedom 
                to express themselves, live their faith, assemble 
                without fear, and choose their leaders freely and 
                fairly. The United States was founded on the belief 
                that people should govern themselves, and as keepers of 
                that proud history, we must stand with those who are 
                reaching for their rights, knowing their success will 
                bring about a world that is more peaceful, more stable, 
                and more just.

                As we pursue those goals with renewed vigor, the 
                lessons of the 20th century will continue to remind us 
                what is possible in the 21st. Let us never forget what 
                happened in Berlin 23 years ago, nor the sacrifices 
                that made it possible. And together, let us keep the 
                light of freedom burning bright for all who live in the 
                shadow of oppression and dream of a better future for 
                themselves and their children.

                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, 2012, as 
                World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United 
                States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies 
                and activities, reaffirming our dedication to freedom 
                and democracy.

[[Page 68044]]

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

[FR Doc. 2012-27918
Filed 11-14-12; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F3