[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 43 (Monday, October 29, 2001)]
[Pages 1544-1545]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7490--United Nations Day, 2001

 October 24, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On June 26, 1945, representatives from 50 countries signed the 
charter creating the United Nations (U.N.), which inaugurated a new era 
of unprecedented international cooperation. The world had then just 
emerged victorious against the threat of global tyranny, and these 
representatives resolved to preserve peace through international 
cooperation and collective security. Officially coming into existence on 
October 24, 1945, the U.N. became the central organization charged with 
carrying out this mission. Since then, it has worked to maintain world 
peace and security, to develop friendly relations among nations, to 
cooperate in solving international problems, and to promote respect for 
human rights.
    Today, 189 countries belong to the United Nations. The 
organization's mission remains as urgent as ever, particularly as our 
world confronts new challenges in the 21st century. The recent terrorist 
attacks on the United States not only threatened Americans, they also 
threatened civilized people everywhere who believe in freedom and peace. 
These tragic events remind us all of the vitally important unified 
efforts necessary to building international security and to guaranteeing 
a more peaceful world for us and for our children.
    Americans are a generous and compassionate people, willing to do all 
we can to help alleviate poverty and suffering around the world. These 
efforts include close cooperative ventures with the United Nations 
organizations through its many humanitarian programs. As our country 
observes United Nations Day, 2001, we pause to reflect on the noble 
history of the U.N. and to praise its many contributions toward 
providing a better quality of life for people around the globe. We also 
celebrate the U.N.'s commitment to promoting human rights, protecting 
the environment, fighting disease, fostering development, and reducing 
poverty. By reaffirming our desire to advance these goals, America looks 
forward to continued progress in addressing the challenges that face 
humanity and to achieving a brighter future for the world.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 24, 2001, as 
United Nations Day. I call upon the people of the United States to 
observe this day with appropriate programs and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth 
day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:38 a.m., October 29, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 30.

[[Page 1545]]