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 12 2 STA T .5396PROCL A M AT I O N8 325 — NO V .26 , 2 0 08 Proclam a ti o n8325 o fN o ve m b er2 6, 2 0 08 WorldAIDS D ay,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation As A merican s ,w e b e l ie v ein th e inherent d i g nit y and val u e of every man, woman, and child .O n W orld A IDS Day, we recommit ourselves to the global challenge of combating the H I V/ AIDS p andemic, and to showing our compassion for those affected here at home and around the world. T he fight against HIV/AIDS is a noble and necessary battle. As part of this fight, in 20 0 3 my Administration launched the P resident ’ s E mer - gency Plan for AIDS R elief ( PEP F AR ) . Through this program, the U nited States has partnered with other countries, local communities, and faith-based organi z ations around the world to support HIV/AIDS treatment, care, and prevention activities. In J uly 200 8 ,wewor k ed with the C ongress to reauthorize this important program for another 5 years. PEPFAR is the largest international commitment in history by any na- tion to combat a single disease, and so far the results are promising. PEPFAR has supported care for millions of people around the world. We have also made great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS through PEPFAR’s commitment to evidence-based prevention interventions, in- cluding the A B C approach

abstinence, be faithful, and correct and consistent condom use. PEPFAR is spreading hope around the world by saving lives and showing the good heart of our N ation. To advance our domestic battle against HIV/AIDS, we must continue to research and develop new methods of treatment and prevention. In 200 6, the Congress reauthorized the Ryan White CARE Act. This legis- lation also focuses on life-saving and life-e x tending services, increased accountability for funding, and supports HIV testing to prevent the fur- ther spread of this disease. NOW, THEREFORE, I, G EORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2008, as World AIDS Day. On this day and throughout the year, the red ribbon is a symbol that helps raise awareness of the importance of fighting against HIV/AIDS. Again this year, the White House will dis- play the red ribbon from the North Portico to represent America’s com- mitment to this struggle. I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories sub j ect to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and provide support and comfort to those living with this disease. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- sixth day of November, in the year of our L ord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. GEORGE W. BUSH

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