For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 9, 2001
President Proclaims Human Rights Day & Bill of Rights Week
Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, 2001 by the President of the United States of America a Proclamation
The terrible tragedies of September 11 served as a grievous
reminder that the enemies of freedom do not respect or value individual
human rights. Their brutal attacks were an attack on these
very rights. When our essential rights are attacked, they
must and will be defended.
Americans stand united with those who love democracy, justice, and
individual liberty. We are committed to upholding these
principles, embodied in our Constitution's Bill of Rights, that have
safeguarded us throughout our history and that continue to provide the
foundation of our strength and prosperity.
The heinous acts of terrorism committed on September 11 were an
attack against civilization itself, and they have caused the world to
join together in a coalition that is now waging war on terrorism and
defending international human rights. Americans have looked
beyond our borders and found encouragement as the world has rallied to
join the American-led coalition. Civilized people everywhere
have recognized that terrorists threaten every nation that loves
liberty and cherishes the protection of individual rights.
Respect for human dignity and individual freedoms reaffirms a core
tenet of civilized people everywhere. This important
observance honoring our Bill of Rights and advocating human rights
around the world allows all Americans to celebrate the universal
principles of liberty and justice that define our dreams and shape our
hopes as we face the challenges of a new era.
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, 2001, as
Human Rights Day; December 15, 2001, as Bill of Rights Day; and the
week beginning December 9, 2001, as Human Rights Week. I
call upon the people of the United States to honor the legacy of human
rights passed down to us from previous generations and to resolve that
such liberties will prevail in our Nation and throughout the world as
we move into the 21st century.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
December, 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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