Proclamation by the President: Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2008

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
On Pan American Day and during Pan American Week, we underscore
the importance of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Western
Hemisphere where our common values continue to strengthen friendships,
advance freedom, and encourage fair trade.

The love of liberty is deeply rooted in our hemisphere. In the
earliest days of our Republic, the people of the United States
inspired patriots throughout the Americas to take their own stand for
independence. Today, the decent and honorable people of both American
continents are united in the desire for freedom and democracy. The
United States stands with those who respect human rights and those who
seek to bring change and hope to their countries. We look forward to
the day when all of the Americas are wholly free and democratic.

My Administration remains committed to helping our friends as they
advance the cause of justice and economic opportunity throughout the
Western Hemisphere. Through Millennium Challenge Compacts, we support
development in countries that govern justly, invest in their people,
and promote economic freedom. In addition, the Dominican
Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement, signed in
2005, has opened markets and created opportunities for American
businesses, strengthened economic ties with our neighbors to the
south, and brought hope to people so that they can better care for
themselves and for their families. In December of 2007, I signed the
United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act to
bring economic gains for both of our countries, empower workers, and
foster accountability and the rule of law. We seek to build on these
successes by working with the Congress to approve the United
States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and the United States-Panama
Trade Promotion Agreement. These and other free trade agreements
enhance prosperity in the United States and signal our firm support
for those who share our values of freedom and democracy.

As we recognize Pan American Day and Pan American Week, we will
continue to work together to advance our common interests and build a
future in which opportunity reaches into every community.

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 the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim
April 14, 2008, as Pan American Day and April 13 through April 19,
2008, as Pan American Week. I urge the Governors of the 50 States, the
Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the officials of
other areas under the flag of the United States of America to honor
these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

White House Press Office
1-202-456-2580

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