[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7913--JULY 15, 2005

[[Page 3786]]
119 STAT. 3786

Proclamation 7913 of July 15, 2005
Captive Nations Week, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America stands for freedom and supports those who are oppressed. During
Captive Nations Week, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing democracy,
defending liberty, and protecting human rights around the world.
When President Eisenhower issued the first Captive Nations Week
proclamation in 1959, freedom was being denied by communist regimes in
Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Millions were deprived of their rights
to freely practice religion, assemble in public, and exercise freedom of
speech. The Cold War and the captivity of millions of people in Central
and Eastern Europe have since ended, and we have witnessed the rise of
democratic governments in countries across the globe.
Building a free and peaceful world is the work of generations, and this
work continues. America believes that freedom is God's gift to each man
and woman in this world and that spreading freedom's blessings is the
calling of our time. We are continuing to work to help spread liberty
and democracy to people who have known fear and oppression. The gains in
places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, and Georgia have been achieved
through the courage, determination, and sacrifice of millions of men and
women in those countries, with the assistance of the United States and
other allies.
As a Nation forged from the ideals of freedom, justice, and human
dignity, we will continue speaking out on behalf of oppressed people. We
will support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in
every nation. This young century will be liberty's century, and during
Captive Nations Week, we pledge to advance the cause of liberty for all
people.
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, do hereby proclaim July 17 through July 23, 2005, as Captive
Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United States to observe
this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities and to reaffirm
their commitment to all those seeking liberty, justice, and self-
determination.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH