World Freedom Day, 2001

Proclamation 7499 of November 9, 2001

World Freedom Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During the Cold War, freedom and authoritarianism
clashed. Countries and entire regions suffered under
repressive ideologies that sought to trample human
dignity. Today, freedom is again threatened. Like the
fascists and totalitarians before them, Al Qaida, the
Taliban regime that supports them, and other terrorist
groups across the world seek to impose their radical
views through threats and violence.

The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, stands
as the turning point of the Cold War and a significant
landmark in freedom's victory over tyranny. The Wall
stood as a grim symbol of the separation of free people
and those living under dictatorships. We honor the
spirit and perseverance of those who strived for
freedom in East Germany and under other repressive
regimes. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, many
countries have achieved freedom via the ballot box,
through political pressure rising from their citizens,
or as a result of the settlement of internal or
regional conflicts. We celebrate the new freedom in
which much of the world lives today.

On World Freedom Day, we also recognize that more than
2 billion people still live under authoritarian
regimes. From Burma to Cuba, Belarus to Zimbabwe,
citizens of many countries suffer under repressive
governments. Our thoughts today especially turn to the
people of Afghanistan. These men, women, and children
suffer at the hands of the repressive Taliban regime,
which, as we know, aids and abets terrorists.

In every oppressive nation, pro-democracy activists are
working to stoke the fires of freedom, often at great
personal risk. As we mark November 9, World Freedom
Day, I encourage Americans to support those who seek to
lead their people out of oppression.

On World Freedom Day, we also honor those who, at this
moment, fight for freedom half a world away. On
September 11, freedom was attacked, but liberty and
justice will prevail. Like the fall of the Berlin Wall
and the defeat of totalitarianism in Central and
Eastern Europe, freedom will triumph in this war
against terrorism.

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, 2001, as World
Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United
States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies
and activities and to reaffirm their devotion to the
aspirations of all people for freedom and democracy.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B