For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 9, 2001
World Freedom Day Proclamation
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 cele-brate 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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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