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

122 STAT. 5396
 
PROCLAMATION 8325--NOV. 26, 2008



Proclamation 8325 of November 26, 2008
World AIDS Day, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As Americans, we believe in the inherent dignity and value of every man,
woman, and child. On World AIDS Day, we recommit ourselves to the global
challenge of combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and to showing our
compassion for those affected here at home and around the world.
The fight against HIV/AIDS is a noble and necessary battle. As part of
this fight, in 2003 my Administration launched the President's Emergency
Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Through this program, the United States
has partnered with other countries, local communities, and faith-based
organizations around the world to support HIV/AIDS treatment, care, and
prevention activities. In July 2008, we worked with the Congress to
reauthorize this important program for another 5 years.
PEPFAR is the largest international commitment in history by any nation
to combat a single disease, and so far the results are promising. PEPFAR
has supported care for millions of people around the world. We have also
made great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS through PEPFAR's
commitment to evidence-based prevention interventions, including the ABC
approach: abstinence, be faithful, and correct and consistent condom
use. PEPFAR is spreading hope around the world by saving lives and
showing the good heart of our Nation.
To advance our domestic battle against HIV/AIDS, we must continue to
research and develop new methods of treatment and prevention. In 2006,
the Congress reauthorized the Ryan White CARE Act. This legislation also
focuses on life-saving and life-extending services, increased
accountability for funding, and supports HIV testing to prevent the
further spread of this disease.
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 December 1, 2008, as World
AIDS Day. On this day and throughout the year, the red ribbon is a
symbol that helps raise awareness of the importance of fighting against
HIV/AIDS. Again this year, the White House will display the red ribbon
from the North Portico to represent America's commitment to this
struggle. I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in
appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to
AIDS and provide support and comfort to those living with this disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of
November, 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