[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 49 (Monday, December 15, 2008)]
[Page 1503]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8328--Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human 
Rights Week, 2008

 December 8, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The United States was founded on the principle that government must 
respect people's rights to speak freely, worship as they choose, and 
pursue their dreams in liberty. As we remember the enduring importance 
of our Constitution's Bill of Rights, our thoughts turn to those who 
have yet to secure these precious liberties. During Human Rights Day, 
Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, Americans celebrate the 
rights bestowed upon all by our Creator and reaffirm our deep commitment 
to helping those whose desire for liberty and justice is still dismissed 
and denied.
    In a free society, every person is treated with dignity and can rise 
as high as their talents and hard work will take them. Yet in countries 
like Belarus, Burma, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and 
Zimbabwe, fervent pleas for freedom are silenced by tyranny and 
oppression. So long as there are people who fight for liberty, the 
United States will stand with them and speak out for those who have no 
other voice.
    Freedom is the eternal birthright of all mankind, and during Human 
Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, we renew our 
commitment to lead the cause of human rights and pray for the day when 
the light of liberty will shine on all of humanity.
     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 10, 2008, as 
Human Rights Day; December 15, 2008, as Bill of Rights Day; and the week 
beginning December 10, 2008, 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 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., December 
11, 2008]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on December 9, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
December 12.