World Freedom Day, 2007

Proclamation 8202 of November 8, 2007

World Freedom Day, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On World Freedom Day, we commemorate the fall of the
Berlin Wall and reaffirm our conviction that freedom is
the inalienable right of every man, woman, and child.

On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell--a triumph of
freedom over those who denied hope and opportunity to
millions. The collapse of this barrier signaled the
demise of the Soviet empire and ushered in a new era of
liberty for much of Central and Eastern Europe. In the
end, tyranny was overpowered by ordinary people who
wanted to live their lives freely, worship God freely,
and speak the truth to their children. With moral
clarity and courage, brave individuals can change the
course of history.

Our Nation remains committed to the advance of freedom
and democracy as the great alternatives to repression
and radicalism. America calls on every country that
stifles dissent to end its repression, to trust its
people, and to grant its citizens the liberty they
deserve.

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, 2007, 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
eighth day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.