[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8841--JULY 16, 2012

Proclamation 8841 of July 16, 2012

Captive Nations Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When President Dwight D. Eisenhower first proclaimed Captive Nations
Week amidst an escalating Cold War, he affirmed that ``the citizens of
the United States are linked by bonds of family and principle to those
who love freedom and justice on every continent.'' Our world has changed
dramatically since 1959, but those unbreakable bonds endure. During
Captive Nations Week, America renews our abiding ties to all peoples who
struggle to claim their inalienable rights.
From the Baltic Sea to the Balkan Peninsula, once-captive nations
inspired the world when bold patriots stepped forward to regain their
countries' sovereignty and their citizens' dignity. Today, we see the
same courage in protesters who brave the line of fire to sound the call
for reform. We see the same fierce hope in those who defy censorship and
reach beyond an electronic curtain to connect with people around the
world. As individuals rise to demand their universal rights, the United
States stands with them in pursuit of equality, justice, and freedom.
As strongly as my Administration condemns tyranny, we embrace emerging
democracies and welcome the chance to work with those who seek to
restore their peoples' liberty. With our partners in the international
community, we will continue striving to advance human rights, grow
prosperity, and meet mutual challenges with global solutions. And as
long as there are people who live in the darkness of oppression, America
will remain their steadfast friend, linked by a common dream and our
common ideals.
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 15 through July 21, 2012, as Captive
Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United States


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to reaffirm
our deep ties to all governments and people committed to freedom,
dignity, and opportunity for all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA