[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 139 (Wednesday, July 22, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 36393-36394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-17665]



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Part V





The President





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Proclamation 8396--Captive Nations Week, 2009


                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 139 / Wednesday, July 22, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents

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Title 3--
The President

[[Page 36393]]

                Proclamation 8396 of July 17, 2009

                
Captive Nations Week, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Fifty years ago, President Eisenhower issued a call of 
                solidarity to peoples across the world living under 
                communist rule. This first Captive Nations Week 
                Proclamation expressed concern that too many people 
                lacked fundamental freedoms, and it affirmed that the 
                people of the United States stood alongside those who 
                yearned to be free. Since this declaration, more 
                nations have chosen the path of self-determination and 
                respect for basic human rights. Brave American men and 
                women have contributed to this story, making great 
                sacrifices while serving in our Armed Forces or working 
                in Government, private industry, and other 
                organizations.

                The Cold War is now consigned to the history books, but 
                the ideals that President Eisenhower proclaimed remain 
                vibrant and inspiring today. Just as in years past, 
                people still hope to have the freedom and opportunity 
                to pursue their dreams. People, young and old, still 
                yearn to speak their minds. Citizens still believe 
                governments have an obligation to be honest and 
                transparent, uphold the rule of law, and allow civic 
                participation.

                We regard these universal principles as guiding values, 
                and we stand in solidarity with those who aspire to 
                live by them--not only because it is right, but also 
                because our Nation's fate is connected to that of other 
                nations. In an interdependent world, instability, 
                disease, and hardship abroad affect us here at home. 
                Governments that are responsive to the concerns of 
                their citizens can better tackle these challenges and 
                contribute to a more secure, healthy, and prosperous 
                world.

                Nations must advance these values through example. At 
                home and abroad, the United States strives to honor the 
                principles enshrined in our Nation's founding 
                documents.

                The challenges of a new century require us to summon 
                the full range of human talents to move all nations 
                forward. The United States stands with all governments 
                and peoples committed to unlocking the potential of 
                their people, and to peace, the rule of law, and 
                respect for all citizens.

                The Congress, by Joint Resolution, approved July 17, 
                1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the 
                President to issue a proclamation designating the third 
                week of July of each year as ``Captive Nations Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 19 
                through July 25, 2009, as Captive Nations Week. I call 
                upon the people of the United States to reaffirm our 
                commitment to all those seeking dignity, freedom, and 
                justice.

[[Page 36394]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT>
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-17665
Filed 7-21-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P