Presidential Documents

36393 

Federal Register 

Vol. 74, No. 139 

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 

Title 3— 

The President 

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. 


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36394 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 139 / Wednesday, July 22, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. E9–17665 

Filed 7–21–09; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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