    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 47 (Monday, December 1, 2008)]
    [Page 1461]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8325--World AIDS Day, 2008

     November 26, 2008

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        As Americans, we believe in the inherent dignity and value of every
    man, woman, and child. On World AIDS Day, we recommit ourselves to the
    global challenge of combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and to showing our
    compassion for those affected here at home and around the world.
        The fight against HIV/AIDS is a noble and necessary battle. As part
    of this fight, in 2003 my Administration launched the President's
    Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Through this program, the
    United States has partnered with other countries, local communities, and
    faith-based organizations around the world to support HIV/AIDS
    treatment, care, and prevention activities. In July 2008, we worked with
    the Congress to reauthorize this important program for another 5 years.
        PEPFAR is the largest international commitment in history by any
    nation to combat a single disease, and so far the results are promising.
    PEPFAR has supported care for millions of people around the world. We
    have also made great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS through
    PEPFAR's commitment to evidence-based prevention interventions,
    including the ABC approach: abstinence, be faithful, and correct and
    consistent condom use. PEPFAR is spreading hope around the world by
    saving lives and showing the good heart of our Nation.
        To advance our domestic battle against HIV/AIDS, we must continue to
    research and develop new methods of treatment and prevention. In 2006,
    the Congress reauthorized the Ryan White CARE Act. This legislation also
    focuses on life-saving and life-extending services, increased
    accountability for funding, and supports HIV testing to prevent the
    further spread of this disease.
         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 1, 2008, as
    World AIDS Day. On this day and throughout the year, the red ribbon is a
    symbol that helps raise awareness of the importance of fighting against
    HIV/AIDS. Again this year, the White House will display the red ribbon
    from the North Portico to represent America's commitment to this
    struggle. I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of
    Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the
    jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in
    appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to
    AIDS and provide support and comfort to those living with this disease.
         In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth
    day of November, 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, 8:45 a.m., December 1,
    2008]

    Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on
    December 2. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language version of this proclamation.