[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8692 of July 15, 2011

Captive Nations Week, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
There are times in the course of history when the actions of ordinary
people yearning for freedom ignite the desires of people everywhere.
Such brave actions led to the birth of our Nation, the fall of the
Soviet Union, and countless other achievements that have shaped our
world. During Captive Nations Week, we remember the men and women
throughout the world still suffering under oppressive regimes, and we
underscore our commitment to advancing freedom's cause.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Captive Nations Week
Proclamation in 1959 amidst an escalating Cold War, affirming America's
support for the individual liberties of those living under Communist
oppression. Our world has transformed dramatically since President
Eisenhower first proclaimed Captive Nations Week. The burst of freedom
following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet
Union led to the emergence of new democracies that are now steadfast
allies of the United States and key contributors to the expansion of
human rights worldwide.

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With each generation, people have breathed new life into democratic
ideals, striving for personal freedom, political and economic reform,
and justice. The United States stands firmly behind all those who seek
to exercise their basic human rights. We will continue to oppose the use
of violence and repression and support the universal rights of freedom
of religion, expression, and peaceful assembly; equality for men and
women under the rule of law; and the right of people to choose their
leaders.
This week, we rededicate ourselves to promoting democratic values,
economic development, and respect for human dignity, and we express our
solidarity with freedom-seeking people everywhere whose future reflects
our greatest hope for peace.
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 of July of each year as ``Captive Nations
Week.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim July 17 through July 23, 2011, as Captive
Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United States to reaffirm
our deep commitment to all those working for human rights and dignity
around the world.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA