[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.