Captive Nations Week, 2012

Vol. 77

Friday,

No. 140

July 20, 2012

Part VI

The President

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Proclamation 8841--Captive Nations Week, 2012

Memorandum of July 11, 2012--Delegation of Certain Functions Under
Section 570(e) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related
Programs Appropriations Act, 1997

Presidential Determination No. 2012-12 of July 12, 2012--Unexpected
Urgent Refugee and Migration Needs

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8841 of July 16, 2012

Captive Nations Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When President Dwight D. Eisenhower first proclaimed
Captive Nations Week amidst an escalating Cold War, he
affirmed that ``the citizens of the United States are
linked by bonds of family and principle to those who
love freedom and justice on every continent.'' Our
world has changed dramatically since 1959, but those
unbreakable bonds endure. During Captive Nations Week,
America renews our abiding ties to all peoples who
struggle to claim their inalienable rights.

From the Baltic Sea to the Balkan Peninsula, once-
captive nations inspired the world when bold patriots
stepped forward to regain their countries' sovereignty
and their citizens' dignity. Today, we see the same
courage in protesters who brave the line of fire to
sound the call for reform. We see the same fierce hope
in those who defy censorship and reach beyond an
electronic curtain to connect with people around the
world. As individuals rise to demand their universal
rights, the United States stands with them in pursuit
of equality, justice, and freedom.

As strongly as my Administration condemns tyranny, we
embrace emerging democracies and welcome the chance to
work with those who seek to restore their peoples'
liberty. With our partners in the international
community, we will continue striving to advance human
rights, grow prosperity, and meet mutual challenges
with global solutions. And as long as there are people
who live in the darkness of oppression, America will
remain their steadfast friend, linked by a common dream
and our common ideals.

The Congress, by joint resolution approved July 17,
1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the
President to issue a proclamation designating the third
week of July of each year as ``Captive Nations Week.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 15
through July 21, 2012, as Captive Nations Week. I call
upon the people of the United States to reaffirm our
deep ties to all governments and people committed to
freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.