World Aids Day, 2008

Proclamation 8325 of November 26, 2008

World Aids Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As Americans, we believe in the inherent dignity and
value of every man, woman, and child. On World AIDS
Day, we recommit ourselves to the global challenge of
combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and to showing our
compassion for those affected here at home and around
the world.

The fight against HIV/AIDS is a noble and necessary
battle. As part of this fight, in 2003 my
Administration launched the President's Emergency Plan
for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Through this program, the
United States has partnered with other countries, local
communities, and faith-based organizations around the
world to support HIV/AIDS treatment, care, and
prevention activities. In July 2008, we worked with the
Congress to reauthorize this important program for
another 5 years.

PEPFAR is the largest international commitment in
history by any nation to combat a single disease, and
so far the results are promising. PEPFAR has supported
care for millions of people around the world. We have
also made great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS
through PEPFAR's commitment to evidence-based
prevention interventions, including the ABC approach:
abstinence, be faithful, and correct and consistent
condom use. PEPFAR is spreading hope around the world
by saving lives and showing the good heart of our
Nation.

To advance our domestic battle against HIV/AIDS, we
must continue to research and develop new methods of
treatment and prevention. In 2006, the Congress
reauthorized the Ryan White CARE Act. This legislation
also focuses on life-saving and life-extending
services, increased accountability for funding, and
supports HIV testing to prevent the further spread of
this disease.

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 December 1, 2008, as World
AIDS Day. On this day and throughout the year, the red
ribbon is a symbol that helps raise awareness of the
importance of fighting against HIV/AIDS. Again this
year, the White House will display the red ribbon from
the North Portico to represent America's commitment to
this struggle. I urge the Governors of the States and
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other
territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States, and the American people to join me in
appropriate activities to remember those who have lost
their lives to AIDS and provide support and comfort to
those living with this disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord
two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.