[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9056--NOV. 8, 2013

Proclamation 9056 of November 8, 2013

World Freedom Day, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On November 9, 1989, Germans from East and West united to bring down the
Berlin Wall, marking the arrival of a new age. A symbol of oppression
crumbled under the force of popular will. A people transitioned from the
pain of division to the joy of reunification. And all over Europe,
corrupt dictatorships gave way to new democracies. On World Freedom Day,
we remember that for all the raw power of authoritarian regimes, it is
ultimately citizens who decide whether to be defined by a wall or
whether to tear it down.
Twenty-four years ago, the United States stood alongside people who
demanded their basic liberties and nations that reclaimed the right to
set their own course. The democracies that emerged are now some of
America's strongest allies, united around the ideals of freedom and
equality. These alliances are the foundation of our global security and
the engine of our global economy.
As we commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall, we recognize that the
fight for human dignity goes on. Decades after the fall of the Iron
Curtain, the United States continues to march with those who are
reaching for freedom around the world. Today, let us remember that our
fates and fortunes are linked as never before; when one nation takes a
step toward liberty, all of us are a little more free. Let us offer our
support to all those still struggling to throw off the weight of
oppression and embrace a brighter day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con-




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stitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2013, 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 thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA