[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 46 (Monday, November 19, 2001)]
[Pages 1634-1635]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7499--World Freedom Day, 2001

 November 9, 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

[[Page 1635]]

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

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:34 a.m., November 14, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 15. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.