[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 50 (Monday, December 17, 2001)]
[Pages 1773-1774]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7513--Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human 
Rights Week, 2001

 December 9, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The terrible tragedies of September 11 served as a grievous reminder 
that the enemies of freedom do not respect or value individual human 
rights. Their brutal attacks were an attack on these very rights. When 
our essential rights are attacked, they must and will be defended.
    Americans stand united with those who love democracy, justice, and 
individual liberty. We are committed to upholding these principles, 
embodied in our Constitution's Bill of Rights, that have safeguarded us 
throughout our history and that continue to provide the foundation of 
our strength and prosperity.
    The heinous acts of terrorism committed on September 11 were an 
attack against civilization itself, and they have caused the world to 
join together in a coalition that is now waging war on terrorism and 
defending international human rights. Americans have

[[Page 1774]]

looked beyond our borders and found encouragement as the world has 
rallied to join the American-led coalition. Civilized people everywhere 
have recognized that terrorists threaten every nation that loves liberty 
and cherishes the protection of individual rights.
    Respect for human dignity and individual freedoms reaffirms a core 
tenet of civilized people everywhere. This important observance honoring 
our Bill of Rights and advocating human rights around the world allows 
all Americans to celebrate the universal principles of liberty and 
justice that define our dreams and shape our hopes as we face the 
challenges of a new era.
     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 December 10, 2001, as 
Human Rights Day; December 15, 2001, as Bill of Rights Day; and the week 
beginning December 9, 2001, as Human Rights Week. I call upon the people 
of the United States to honor the legacy of human rights passed down to 
us from previous generations and to resolve that such liberties will 
prevail in our Nation and throughout the world as we move into the 21st 
century.
     In Witness Whereof,  I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
December, 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, 8:45 a.m., December 11, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 12.