[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 42 (Monday, October 23, 2006)]
[Page 1844]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8072--50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution

 October 18, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution, we celebrate 
the Hungarians who defied an empire to demand their liberty, we 
recognize the friendship between the United States and Hungary, and we 
reaffirm our shared desire to spread freedom to people around the world.
    The story of Hungarian democracy represents the triumph of liberty 
over tyranny. In the fall of 1956, the Hungarian people demanded change, 
and tens of thousands of students, workers, and other citizens bravely 
marched through the streets to call for freedom. Though Soviet tanks 
brutally crushed the Hungarian uprising, the thirst for freedom lived 
on, and in 1989 Hungary became the first communist nation in Europe to 
make the transition to democracy. The lesson of the Hungarian experience 
is clear: liberty can be delayed, but it cannot be denied. Today, this 
beautiful country has held democratic elections, established a free 
economy, and inspired millions around the world.
    The United States is grateful for the warm relationship between our 
countries and for Hungary's efforts to expand freedom and democracy 
around the world in places such as the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 
Cuba. By spreading the blessings of liberty, Hungary is helping to lay 
the foundation of peace for generations to come.
    As we celebrate this anniversary, we also recognize the many ways 
Hungarian Americans have enriched and strengthened our country. Their 
spirit and hard work have contributed to the vitality, success, and 
prosperity of our Nation, and we continue to be inspired by their 
courage and conviction.
     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 23, 2006, as a 
day of recognition in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian 
Revolution. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 20, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
23.