    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8599--NOV. 8, 2010

    Proclamation 8599 of November 8, 2010
    World Freedom Day, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    The Berlin Wall once stood as a painful barrier between family and
    friends, a dark symbol of oppression and stifled liberties. On November
    9, 1989, in a powerful affirmation of freedom, Germans from both sides
    of the wall joined to tear down the hated blockade. World Freedom Day
    commemorates the end of this icon of division; celebrates the courageous
    resolve of individuals who insisted upon a better future for themselves
    and their country; and marks the reunification of a city, a nation, and
    a people. This cherished day also calls upon us to reflect

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    on our world anew and recognize that the work of freedom is never
    finished.
    Our world has become increasingly interconnected, and more prosperous,
    cooperative, and free. We stand at a transformational moment in history,
    where there is tremendous potential not only to tear down walls, but
    also to build bridges between people separated by geography, cultures,
    and beliefs. Across the world, we have seen the power of the ballot box
    and the desire of people to break through artificial barriers and work
    to implement solutions to common challenges. Civil society and
    governments are coming together as never before to promote liberty,
    share knowledge, and protect human dignity.
    With enduring bonds forged across decades, the democracies that emerged
    one by one from behind the Iron Curtain are now America's allies and
    partners, and today we jointly confront global challenges. Examples of
    the strength of conviction, these sovereign nations inspire all who
    still yearn to exercise their universal human rights. The 21st
    anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall is an occasion to renew our
    common commitment to advance the cause of world freedom in the 21st
    century.
    The arc of history has shown that human destiny is what we make of it.
    Freedom has expanded across the globe because principled men and women
    have marched, spoken out, and demanded the rights and dignity that
    should be enjoyed by all humanity. Those nations that have already
    secured these liberties share a responsibility to uphold the light of
    freedom in other countries as well as in their own. On World Freedom
    Day, we rededicate ourselves to supporting democracy and the rule of
    law, to strengthening civil society, and to promoting the free exchange
    of information around the world. United in common purpose, we will
    continue to work towards the promise of a brighter future and a time
    when all peoples and nations enjoy the hope and peace of freedom.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 November 9, 2010, as
    World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United States to
    observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, reaffirming
    our dedication to freedom and democracy.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
    November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA