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

122 STAT. 5410


 
PROCLAMATION 8328--DEC. 8, 2008

PROCLAMATION 8328--DEC. 8, 2008



Proclamation 8328 of December 8, 2008
Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The United States was founded on the principle that government must
respect people's rights to speak freely, worship as they choose, and
pursue their dreams in liberty. As we remember the enduring importance
of our Constitution's Bill of Rights, our thoughts turn to those who
have yet to secure these precious liberties. During Human Rights Day,
Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, Americans celebrate the
rights bestowed upon all by our Creator and reaffirm our deep commitment
to helping those whose desire for liberty and justice is still dismissed
and denied.
In a free society, every person is treated with dignity and can rise as
high as their talents and hard work will take them. Yet in countries
like Belarus, Burma, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and
Zimbabwe, fervent pleas for freedom are silenced by tyranny and
oppression. So long as there are people who fight for liberty, the
United States will stand with them and speak out for those who have no
other voice.
Freedom is the eternal birthright of all mankind, and during Human
Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, we renew our
commitment to lead the cause of human rights and pray for the day when
the light of liberty will shine on all of humanity.
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 10, 2008, as
Human Rights Day; December 15, 2008, as Bill of Rights Day; and the week
beginning December 10, 2008, as Human Rights Week. I call upon the
people of the United States to mark these observances with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
December, 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