Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 96 Part 2.djvu/1432

 96 STAT. 2794

PROCLAMATION 5004—DEC. 10, 1982

We can point to many nations in the world where there is real progress toward the development of democratic institutions. The people of some of those countries have fully demonstrated their commitment to democratic principles by participating in elections under difficult and even life-threatening circumstances. Such displays of courage can only inspire confidence in the future of democracy for all people. But in December of 1982 our satisfaction in the progress toward human rights is darkened by our realization that one year ago, on December 13, 1981, the Polish military government took steps to extinguish the flames of liberty ignited by Solidarity. As that totalitarian regime moved to crush Solidarity, it laid siege to the dreams and aspirations of a whole people reaching out for freedom, independence, and essential human dignity. The tragedy of the iron suppression of the Polish people transcends the borders of that land and reaches into the hearts of all of us who care for the rights and well-being of people everywhere. On these important anniversaries let us remember the great and abiding love of freedom that dwells perpetually within the heart of mankind. And let us also hope and pray that the blessings of liberty will one day be shared by all people. NOW, THEREFORE. I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 10, 1982, as Human Rights Day and December 15, 1982, as Bill of Rights Day, and call on all Americans to observe the week beginning December 10, 1982, as Human Rights Week. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 10th day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United Staties of America the two hundred and seventh. • • <. • RONALD REAGAN Editorial Note: The President's remarks of Dec. 10, 1982, on signing Proclamation 5003 are printed in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents (vol. 18, p. 1600).

Proclamation 5004 of December 10, 1982

A Day of Prayer for Poland and Solidarity With the Polish People By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation December 13 will mark one year since the Polish military authorities, under intense Soviet pressure, put an end to Poland's experiment in peaceful change. During this year, the military authorities, employing force, have intimidated and ultimately dissolved the free trade unions with which the Polish Government had signed solemn accords but a short time before. Thus, a genuine labor movement was suppressed by a government of generals who claim to represent the working class. Their victory, such as it is, can only be a seeming one. The brave people of Poland have learned during a century and a half of foreign occupation to maintain their national spirit and to resist succumbing to coercion. We are not deceived for an instant that the silence which has now descended on expressions of free opinion in Poland reflects in any way the actual state of mind of the Polish people.

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