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United Nations Day, 2008
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary October 24, 2008

United Nations Day, 2008 A Proclamation by the President of the United
States of America

ÿÿWhite House News


On October 24, 1945, in the wake of the devastation left by World War II,
the United Nations was formally established. Today, we recognize the many
contributions of the United Nations and renew our commitment to its
founding principles.

Sixty-three years ago, representatives from around the world completed the
founding charter of the United Nations and pledged to reaffirm faith in
fundamental human rights and to unite their strength to maintain
international peace and security. It is vital that this noble pledge
continue to guide the United Nations throughout the 21st century. By taking
an unequivocal stand against terrorists, those who traffic in persons, and
all who exploit the poor, the needy, and the marginalized, the United
Nations can live up to the noble ideals of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.

The United Nations is an organization with extraordinary potential for good
works. On United Nation's Day, we recommit ourselves to reforming the U.N.,
ensuring the highest standards are upheld throughout the organization, and
renewing the principals of its charter for the 21st century.

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 October 24, 2008, as United
Nations Day. 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 to observe United Nations Day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH

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