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

 
Proclamation 8752 of November 8, 2011

World Freedom Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On November 9, 1989, the German people broke through a barrier that
divided their nation, demonstrating no wall is strong enough to hold
back the rising tide of human liberty. There could be no clearer rebuke
of tyranny, nor a stronger affirmation of freedom. On World Freedom Day,
we commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall, celebrate the resilience of
the human spirit, and stand with all those who live in the darkness of
oppression and believe in the hope of a brighter day.
This pivotal moment in the global march toward liberty heralded a new
era in Europe and around the world. Today, we once again find ourselves
at a crossroads of history as a wave of democratic movements sweeps away
oppressive dictatorships in the Middle East and North Africa.
Just as the United States supported the aspirations of those who emerged
from behind the Iron Curtain, we continue to stand with all who seek
their universal rights and reach for a future that offers dignity,
justice, equality, personal freedom, and greater economic opportunity.
Recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa remind us that
the pursuit of liberty endures. As people around the world embrace the
cause of human freedom, they take steps toward a more stable and
prosperous future.
Today, we pay tribute to the brave individuals who, despite all risks,
tear down barriers that obstruct democracy and justice for all. Let us
keep in our thoughts those who still live under totalitarian regimes,
and let us honor their courage to hold fast to the promise of a better
future. On World Freedom Day, we renew our commitment to all who
believe--even in the face of cynicism, doubt, and oppression--that walls
truly can come down.
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, 2011, as
World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the

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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 eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA