[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 14 (Monday, April 11, 2005)]
[Page 568]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7882--Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2005

 April 5, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Leaders across the Americas understand that the hope for peace in 
our world depends on the unity of free nations. Each year, the people of 
the United States observe Pan American Day and Pan American Week to 
honor our shared commitment to freedom, prosperity, and security. We are 
working with our partners in the Western Hemisphere to advance our 
common interests and values so that we can build a brighter future for 
our citizens.
    The idea of regional solidarity and inter-American cooperation, 
first envisioned in 1826 by Simon Bolivar, became a reality in 1890 when 
the First International Conference of American States concluded its 
meetings in Washington, D.C. There, President Benjamin Harrison praised 
the efforts of the countries in attendance for their desire to work 
together as American States. Through the years, these efforts, shared 
values, and mutual respect have strengthened this partnership.
    Across our hemisphere, social, economic, military, and political 
cooperation are widespread. Last year, trade officials of five Central 
American nations and the Dominican Republic signed the Central American-
Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement with the United States. I urge 
the Congress to ratify this agreement, which will eliminate tariffs and 
trade barriers and expand regional opportunities.
    My Administration remains committed to the Inter-American Democratic 
Charter to advance democracy and defend freedom across our region. Our 
Nation's continued support of democratic institutions, constitutional 
processes, and basic liberties gives hope and strength to those 
struggling in our hemisphere and around the world to preserve the rule 
of law and their God-given rights.
    The democratic nations of the Western Hemisphere believe in the 
rights and dignity of every person, and we believe that liberty is worth 
defending. In the spirit of Pan American cooperation, we will continue 
to work to strengthen ties among our nations and further democracy, 
peace, and prosperity.
    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 April 14, 2005, as Pan 
American Day and April 10 through April 16, 2005, as Pan American Week. 
I urge the Governors of the 50 States, the Governor of the Commonwealth 
of Puerto Rico, and the officials of other areas under the flag of the 
United States of America to honor these observances with appropriate 
ceremonies and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:54 a.m., April 6, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
7.