Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, And Human Rights Week, 2008

Proclamation 8328 of December 8, 2008

Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, And Human
Rights Week, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The United States was founded on the principle that
government must respect people's rights to speak
freely, worship as they choose, and pursue their dreams
in liberty. As we remember the enduring importance of
our Constitution's Bill of Rights, our thoughts turn to
those who have yet to secure these precious liberties.
During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human
Rights Week, Americans celebrate the rights bestowed
upon all by our Creator and reaffirm our deep
commitment to helping those whose desire for liberty
and justice is still dismissed and denied.

In a free society, every person is treated with dignity
and can rise as high as their talents and hard work
will take them. Yet in countries like Belarus, Burma,
Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe,
fervent pleas for freedom are silenced by tyranny and
oppression. So long as there are people who fight for
liberty, the United States will stand with them and
speak out for those who have no other voice.

Freedom is the eternal birthright of all mankind, and
during Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human
Rights Week, we renew our commitment to lead the cause
of human rights and pray for the day when the light of
liberty will shine on all of humanity.

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 10, 2008, as Human
Rights Day; December 15, 2008, as Bill of Rights Day;
and the week beginning December 10, 2008, as Human
Rights Week. I call upon the people of the United
States to mark these observances with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of December, 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.