Proc. 7625 Title 3--The President pands, these citizen-soldiers will spend more time away from their fami- lies, homes, and workplaces protecting our Nation and the ideals that make us strong. As we face new challenges and welcome new opportunities, the continued support of patriotic employers remains vital to the success of our National Guard and Reserve. Our volunteer National Guardsmen and Reservists rely on their employers for essential support and encouragement that often come at the employer's expense. These employers reflect the spirit of our Nation, and during this week I join with members of our Armed Forces and all our citizens in recognizing those who serve in our National Guard and Reserve and all who support them, and all Americans whose contributions and sacrifices help our military remain the finest fighting force in the world. 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 laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 10 through No- vember 16, 2002, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. I encourage all Americans to join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to the civilian employers of the members of our National Guard and Reserve for their extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our Nation. I also call upon State and local officials, private organizations, businesses, and all military commanders to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7625 of November 8, 2002 World Freedom Day, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On World Freedom Day, the United States joins with the nations of the world that are dedicated to liberty and democratic values in commemo- rating the fall of the Berlin Wall, which occurred on November 9, 1989. As we remember this historic event, we renew our commitment to advancing democracy, peace, and freedom for all throughout the world. The fall of the Berlin Wall ushered in a new era of liberty and self-deter- mination in Central and Eastern Europe. In the years that followed this re- markable event, the citizens of formerly Communist states participated in open elections, secured their common rights to free speech, and claimed other fundamental freedoms. This triumph for democracy demonstrated that tyranny is temporary, and that liberty is the universal and guiding goal for all mankind. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, we have made great progress in encour- aging free and open societies on every continent. But challenges remain. 176
�
