Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part V

The President

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Proclamation 7882--Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2005

Proclamation 7883--National D.A.R.E. Day, 2005

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7882 of April 5, 2005

Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Leaders across the Americas understand that the hope
for peace in our world depends on the unity of free
nations. Each year, the people of the United States
observe Pan American Day and Pan American Week to honor
our shared commitment to freedom, prosperity, and
security. We are working with our partners in the
Western Hemisphere to advance our common interests and
values so that we can build a brighter future for our
citizens.

The idea of regional solidarity and inter-American
cooperation, first envisioned in 1826 by Simon Bolivar,
became a reality in 1890 when the First International
Conference of American States concluded its meetings in
Washington, D.C. There, President Benjamin Harrison
praised the efforts of the countries in attendance for
their desire to work together as American States.
Through the years, these efforts, shared values, and
mutual respect have strengthened this partnership.

Across our hemisphere, social, economic, military, and
political cooperation are widespread. Last year, trade
officials of five Central American nations and the
Dominican Republic signed the Central American-
Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement with the United
States. I urge the Congress to ratify this agreement,
which will eliminate tariffs and trade barriers and
expand regional opportunities.

My Administration remains committed to the Inter-
American Democratic Charter to advance democracy and
defend freedom across our region. Our Nation's
continued support of democratic institutions,
constitutional processes, and basic liberties gives
hope and strength to those struggling in our hemisphere
and around the world to preserve the rule of law and
their God-given rights.

The democratic nations of the Western Hemisphere
believe in the rights and dignity of every person, and
we believe that liberty is worth defending. In the
spirit of Pan American cooperation, we will continue to
work to strengthen ties among our nations and further
democracy, peace, and prosperity.

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 April 14, 2005, as Pan
American Day and April 10 through April 16, 2005, as
Pan American Week. I urge the Governors of the 50
States, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, and the officials of other areas under the flag
of the United States of America to honor these
observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B