World Freedom Day, 2013

Proclamation 9056 of November 8, 2013

World Freedom Day, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On November 9, 1989, Germans from East and West united
to bring down the Berlin Wall, marking the arrival of a
new age. A symbol of oppression crumbled under the
force of popular will. A people transitioned from the
pain of division to the joy of reunification. And all
over Europe, corrupt dictatorships gave way to new
democracies. On World Freedom Day, we remember that for
all the raw power of authoritarian regimes, it is
ultimately citizens who decide whether to be defined by
a wall or whether to tear it down.

Twenty-four years ago, the United States stood
alongside people who demanded their basic liberties and
nations that reclaimed the right to set their own
course. The democracies that emerged are now some of
America's strongest allies, united around the ideals of
freedom and equality. These alliances are the
foundation of our global security and the engine of our
global economy.

As we commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall, we
recognize that the fight for human dignity goes on.
Decades after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the United
States continues to march with those who are reaching
for freedom around the world. Today, let us remember
that our fates and fortunes are linked as never before;
when one nation takes a step toward liberty, all of us
are a little more free. Let us offer our support to all
those still struggling to throw off the weight of
oppression and embrace a brighter day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2013, 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 thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.