[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 50 (Monday, December 18, 2006)]
[Pages 2147-2148]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8090--Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human 
Rights Week, 2006

 December 8, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Peace and justice prevail when people are free to speak, assemble, 
and worship, when their rights are protected, and when governments are 
accountable to their citizens. These blessings of freedom are guaranteed 
for Americans in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution. During Human 
Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, we celebrate the 
ideals of our founders and reaffirm the belief that freedom is the gift 
of God and the right of all mankind.
    Just over six decades ago, the future of freedom seemed bleak, with 
only a small number of democracies around the world. Today, citizens of 
over 100 nations enjoy the blessings of democracy, and freedom is taking 
root in places where liberty had been unimaginable. The United States 
will continue to support the growth of democratic movements and 
institutions in every nation.
    The advance of freedom is the story of our time, and new chapters 
are being written before our eyes. Around the world, freedom is 
replacing tyranny and giving men and women the opportunity to enjoy 
lives of purpose and dignity. Because Americans are committed to the 
God-given value of every life, we cherish the freedom of every person in 
every nation and strive to promote respect for human rights. By standing 
with those who desire liberty, we will help extend freedom to many who 
have not known it and lay the foundations of peace for generations to 
come.
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by

[[Page 2148]]

the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim 
December 10, 2006, as Human Rights Day; December 15, 2006, as Bill of 
Rights Day; and the week beginning December 10, 2006, as Human Rights 
Week. I call upon the people of the United States to mark these 
observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of 
December, 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.

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 13, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 14. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.