Proc. 7999 Title 3--The President from a Nazi concentration camp, Rubin enlisted in the Army after immi- grating to the United States. He was captured and held as a POW during the Korean War even before he became an American citizen. His incredible bravery and service to his fellow POWs saved many lives and has left a legacy of hope and honor, and for his heroism, I had the great privilege to present him our Nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor. The sacrifices of those taken as prisoners of war have helped bring security to American citizens and freedom to the world. With determination and courage, America's former POWs, their fallen and missing comrades, and their families have demonstrated the true spirit of our Nation, and they will never be forgotten. 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 April 9, 2006, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in remembering and honoring the sacrifices of all American prisoners of war. I call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and private organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7999 of April 7, 2006 Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2006 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation During Pan American Day and Pan American Week, we honor the commit- ment to liberty and common values we share with our Pan American neighbors. The love of freedom has deep roots in the Pan American community. Not long after the United States won independence from Britain, patriots throughout the Americas were inspired to take their own stand. Today, there are more than 30 democratic countries in the region, and through the Organization of American States, leaders in the Western Hemisphere have an opportunity to discuss shared goals, promote prosperity, and strengthen democratic governance and institutions. One of the surest ways to make opportunity real for all our citizens is through free and fair trade. In August 2005, I signed legislation to imple- ment the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Our investment and trade through the CAFTA- DR will help build a better life for our citizens, and by reducing trade bar- riers, we can make our region more competitive in the global economy. Strong economic ties with democracies in our hemisphere foster stability and security and help lay the foundation for peace for generations to come. 36
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