National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2008

Proclamation 8217 of January 18, 2008

National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we recognize
that each life has inherent dignity and matchless
value, and we reaffirm our steadfast determination to
defend the weakest and most vulnerable members of our
society.

America was founded on the belief that all men are
created equal and have an inalienable right to life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and our country
remains committed to upholding that founding principle.
Since taking office, I have signed legislation to help
protect life at all stages, and my Administration will
continue to encourage adoption, fund abstinence
education and crisis pregnancy programs, and support
faith-based groups. Today, as our society searches for
new ways to ease human suffering, we must pursue the
possibilities of science in a manner that respects the
sacred gift of life and upholds our moral values.

Our Nation has made progress in its efforts to protect
human life, and we will strive to change hearts and
minds with compassion and decency. On National Sanctity
of Human Life Day and throughout the year, we help
strengthen the culture of life in America and work for
the day when every child is welcomed in life and
protected in law.

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 Sunday, January 20, 2008, as
National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all
Americans to recognize this day with appropriate
ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to
respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every
human being.

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