Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 123.djvu/3692

 123STA T . 3 67 2 PROCL A M AT I O N8 3 9 6 —JU L Y 17, 2 0 09 sup p ort stu den ts a st h e y part ic ipate in su m mer l earnin g.I encourage students , parents, educators, and the non - pro f it community to engage in summer learning acti v ities so that youth return to school poised for academic advancement. I NW I T N ES SW H E R E OF , I have hereunto set my hand this si x th day of J uly, in the year of our L ord t w o thousand nine, and of the Inde- pendence of the U nited States of A merica the two hundred and thirty- fourth. B ARA CK OBA M A Proclam a ti o n8396 o fJu l y17,20 09 CaptiveN ati onsW ee k,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Fifty years ago, P resident Eisenhower issued a call of solidarity to peo- ples across the world living under communist rule. This first Captive Nations Wee k Proclamation expressed concern that too many people lacked fundamental freedoms, and it affirmed that the people of the United States stood alongside those who yearned to b e free. Since this declaration, more nations have chosen the path of self-determination and respect for basic human rights. Brave American men and women have contributed to this story, making great sacrifices while serving in our Armed Forces or working in G overnment, private industry, and other organi z ations. The Cold War is now consigned to the history books, but the ideals that President Eisenhower proclaimed remain vibrant and inspiring today. Just as in years past, people still hope to have the freedom and opportunity to pursue their dreams. People, young and old, still yearn to speak their minds. Citizens still believe governments have an obliga- tion to be honest and transparent, uphold the rule of law, and allow civic participation. We regard these universal principles as guiding values, and we stand in solidarity with those who aspire to live by them — not only because it is right, but also because our Nation ’ s fate is connected to that of other nations. In an interdependent world, instability, disease, and hardship abroad affect us here at home. Governments that are respon- sive to the concerns of their citizens can better tackle these challenges and contribute to a more secure, healthy, and prosperous world. Nations must advance these values through example. At home and abroad, the United States strives to honor the principles enshrined in our Nation’s founding documents. The challenges of a new century re q uire us to summon the full range of human talents to move all nations forward. The United States stands with all governments and peoples committed to unlocking the poten- tial of their people, and to peace, the rule of law, and respect for all citizens.