World Freedom Day, 2018, 57305-57306 [2018-25046]

Agencies

• Executive Office of the President

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 14, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 57305-57306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25046]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 220 / Wednesday, November 14, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 57305]]


                Proclamation 9821 of November 8, 2018

                
World Freedom Day, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The Berlin Wall stood as a harrowing barrier for nearly 
                three decades, dividing East and West Germans from 
                their families and friends, and symbolizing the 
                suffocating oppression of Soviet-backed totalitarian 
                regimes. On World Freedom Day, we remember the struggle 
                and sacrifice of those who braved severe hardships 
                under communism's brutal reign, and we celebrate 
                November 9, 1989, as the day when freedom-loving people 
                on both sides of the wall came together to begin 
                tearing down this hated obstruction to liberty. We also 
                honor the unwavering resolve of those who confronted 
                the evils of corrupt despots and reaffirm our support 
                for people around the world seeking to live in freedom 
                and to enjoy the blessings of liberty.

                As of this year, Germany has been reunified for longer 
                than it was divided by the Berlin Wall, which 
                imprisoned the people of East Germany for more than 28 
                years. While it stood, the Berlin Wall was both a 
                physical barrier and a symbol of oppression. Few dared 
                to dream of reunification. The courageous and 
                unwavering determination of those who dared to confront 
                it and those who guarded it day and night, however, 
                inspired millions to prove that freedom prevails over 
                tyranny. The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a major 
                step in the disintegration of the Iron Curtain, paving 
                the way to the liberation of Eastern and Central Europe 
                from the grip of communism and marking a decisive 
                victory for freedom-loving people across Europe. Many 
                countries that lived under the shadow of communism 
                emerged as new democracies and reclaimed their right to 
                determine their own futures. Today, they continue to 
                defend their cherished independence.

                Unfortunately, we know freedom is repressed in too many 
                places around the world, particularly where terrorism 
                and extremism continue to pose grave threats. Americans 
                have always held boldly and unapologetically to the 
                truth that liberty is an inherent human right, and we 
                reaffirm our commitment to keeping the light of freedom 
                burning bright and shining out to the entire world.

                Today, we pay tribute to the brave individuals who, 
                despite all risks, have challenged injustice and fought 
                for freedom, especially those who have made the 
                ultimate sacrifice. We stand in solidarity with those 
                who still live under tyrannical governments and 
                emphasize that the world will be better off when all 
                governments respect the right of all people to live in 
                freedom.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2018, as 
                World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United 
                States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies 
                and activities, reaffirming our dedication to freedom 
                and democracy.

[[Page 57306]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighth day of November, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2018-25046
Filed 11-13-18; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F9-P