[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8236--APR. 10, 2008

Proclamation 8236 of April 10, 2008
Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On Pan American Day and during Pan American Week, we underscore the
importance of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Western Hemisphere
where our common values continue to strengthen friendships, advance
freedom, and encourage fair trade.
The love of liberty is deeply rooted in our hemisphere. In the earliest
days of our Republic, the people of the United States inspired patriots
throughout the Americas to take their own stand for independence. Today,
the decent and honorable people of both American continents are united
in the desire for freedom and democracy. The United States stands with
those who respect human rights and those who seek to bring change and
hope to their countries. We look forward to the day when all of the
Americas are wholly free and democratic.
My Administration remains committed to helping our friends as they
advance the cause of justice and economic opportunity throughout the
Western Hemisphere. Through Millennium Challenge Compacts, we support
development in countries that govern justly, invest in their people, and
promote economic freedom. In addition, the Dominican Republic-Central
America-United States Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2005, has opened
markets and created opportunities for American businesses, strengthened
economic ties with our neighbors to the south, and brought hope to
people so that they can better care for themselves and for their
families. In December of 2007, I signed the United States-Peru Trade
Promotion Agreement Implementation Act to bring economic gains for both
of our countries, empower workers, and foster accountability and the
rule of law. We seek to build on these successes by working with the
Congress to approve the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement
and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. These and other
free trade agreements enhance prosperity in the United States and signal
our firm support for those who share our values of freedom and
democracy.
As we recognize Pan American Day and Pan American Week, we will continue
to work together to advance our common interests and build a future in
which opportunity reaches into every community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 April




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14, 2008, as Pan American Day and April 13 through April 19, 2008, as
Pan American Week. I urge the Governors of the 50 States, the Governor
of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the officials of other areas
under the flag of the United States of America to honor these
observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of April,
in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH