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

 
PROCLAMATION 8274--JULY 18, 2008

Proclamation 8274 of July 18, 2008
Captive Nations Week, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Freedom is the longing of every soul and the birthright of all mankind.
During Captive Nations Week, we underscore our commitment to advancing
democracy, defending liberty, and protecting human rights around the
world.

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122 STAT. 5335

It is in our Nation's interest to help those who are suffering under
oppressive regimes defeat the ideologues of hate with an ideology of
hope. Advancing the cause of liberty advances the cause of peace. A free
society upholds justice and defends human dignity. Over the years, many
have underestimated the power of freedom to overcome tyranny, but
history has shown us that freedom will prevail.
In the 20th century, the evils of Soviet communism and Nazi fascism were
defeated and freedom spread around the world as new democracies emerged.
Today, our Nation faces new struggles with adversaries who murder the
innocent and seek to subject millions to their violent, totalitarian
rule. Still, we remain confident that the light of liberty will again
overcome this darkness.
To bring that day about, we must support young democracies in places
like Afghanistan and Iraq. In countries like Belarus, Burma, Cuba, Iran,
North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe, people continue to live under
oppressive regimes, and we will work for the day when all these nations
are free. By opposing these despots and helping young democracies grow,
we will lay the foundation of peace and prosperity for generations to
come. Throughout Captive Nations Week, we renew our pledge that as
people across the world find their own paths to freedom, they will also
find a friend in the United States of America.
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, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 20 through July 26,
2008, as Captive Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United
States to reaffirm our commitment to all those seeking liberty, justice,
and self-determination.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
GEORGE W. BUSH