[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 140 (Thursday, July 21, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 47685-47686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17438]



[[Page 47683]]

Vol. 81

Thursday,

No. 140

July 21, 2016

Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 9469--Captive Nations Week, 2016



Proclamation 9470--Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Baton Rouge, 
Louisiana
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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 140 / Thursday, July 21, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 47685]]

                Proclamation 9469 of July 18, 2016

                
Captive Nations Week, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Since our earliest days, the United States has worked 
                to uphold the rights enshrined in our founding 
                documents. The ideals that sparked our revolution find 
                their truest expression in democracy, and our enduring 
                belief in the right to self-govern is not limited to 
                our borders--we believe the human impulse toward 
                freedom is universal. During Captive Nations Week, we 
                recognize the inherent dignity of all people, and we 
                renew our support for those struggling under oppressive 
                regimes and striving to secure the blessings of liberty 
                for themselves and their posterity.

                After World War II, America joined with other nations 
                to remake the world--to rebuild, to forge a new 
                international order, and to advance a more just and 
                lasting peace. And following a decades-long Cold War, 
                with strength and resolve and the power of our ideals, 
                we rejoiced as an Iron Curtain was brought down and a 
                new beginning was set in motion. But although more 
                people live in democracies today--and despite the fact 
                that we are witness to the most peaceful and prosperous 
                era in human history--such progress is not inevitable, 
                and dangerous forces threaten to pull the world 
                backward.

                We must bolster our commitment to upholding freedom and 
                democracy wherever they are jeopardized. That means 
                ensuring the people of Ukraine have the right to choose 
                their own destiny and ensure their independence; it 
                means helping the millions of those displaced from 
                Syria seek a better and safer future, while continuing 
                our efforts to bring an end to this brutal conflict and 
                destroy ISIL. It also means discussing our differences 
                with nations more directly. And we have opened a new 
                chapter in our relationship with Cuba, which includes 
                direct engagement with their government on human rights 
                and steps to empower and create opportunity for the 
                Cuban people.

                Around the world, a new generation of young people--
                connected by technology and driven by idealism and a 
                willingness to stand up for their beliefs--is calling 
                for more accountability in government. As heirs to a 
                struggle for freedom that has long defined our 
                character, Americans must lead by example and chart new 
                paths to liberty and opportunity. We will continue to 
                stand for equality and dignity beyond our borders and 
                encourage economic and political reforms that foster 
                democracy. And we remain dedicated to leading and 
                working with others to build security, prosperity, and 
                justice, and to fighting for any person still suffering 
                under the grasp of tyranny.

                This week, let us rededicate ourselves to broadening 
                democracy's reach and promoting its true pillars--the 
                rule of law, fair elections, a free press, and a 
                vibrant civil society. As we work to lift up the lives 
                of those whose governments still rule by fear and 
                intimidation, let us stay vigilant in defense of 
                democratic values and the ideals that keep us free.

                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.''

[[Page 47686]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 17 
                through July 23, 2016, as Captive Nations Week. I call 
                upon the people of the United States to reaffirm our 
                deep ties to all governments and people committed to 
                freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all.

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

[FR Doc. 2016-17438
Filed 7-20-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P