[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 42 (Monday, October 27, 2008)]
[Page 1379]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8310--United Nations Day, 2008

 October 23, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On October 24, 1945, in the wake of the devastation left by World 
War II, the United Nations was formally established. Today, we recognize 
the many contributions of the United Nations and renew our commitment to 
its founding principles.
    Sixty-three years ago, representatives from around the world 
completed the founding charter of the United Nations and pledged to 
reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and to unite their strength 
to maintain international peace and security. It is vital that this 
noble pledge continue to guide the United Nations throughout the 21st 
century. By taking an unequivocal stand against terrorists, those who 
traffic in persons, and all who exploit the poor, the needy, and the 
marginalized, the United Nations can live up to the noble ideals of the 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
    The United Nations is an organization with extraordinary potential 
for good works. On United Nation's Day, we recommit ourselves to 
reforming the U.N., ensuring the highest standards are upheld throughout 
the organization, and renewing the principals of its charter for the 
21st century.
     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, 2008, as 
United Nations Day. 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 to observe United Nations Day with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third 
day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:15 a.m., October 27, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 24, and it will be published in the Federal 
Register on October 28.