World Freedom Day, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall was torn down by the desire of a
people to be free. On World Freedom Day, we commemorate this historic
event and reflect on liberty's power to change lives and raise
societies.
After decades of oppression, the fall of the Berlin Wall brought the
light of liberty to the people of East Berlin, and the events that
followed set the course for a new era of freedom in Germany and in much
of Central and Eastern Europe. Today, we again face an ideological
struggle with the enemies of freedom, democracy, and moderation. In this
struggle, America will continue to stand with those who seek to build
societies where people live in freedom and at peace with each other and
the world.
The collapse of the Berlin Wall demonstrated that when liberty
flourishes, nations become more tolerant, hopeful, and secure. On World
Freedom Day, we celebrate the power of freedom and democracy. We are
also reminded that free countries have the responsibility to work
together to protect the fundamental rights of all people and help others
realize the blessings of liberty.
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 November 9, 2006, as World
Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this
day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, reaffirming our
dedication to freedom and democracy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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