PROCLAMATION 7540-APR. 12, 2002 116 STAT. 3237 Drugs attack everything that is best about our country, robbing Americans, young and old, and their families of dignity and character. Today, we recognize D.A.R.E. as a critical part in our effort to teach young people how to avoid drug use and the devastating effects that drugs can inflict upon their health and on their future. 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 11, 2002, as National D.A.R.E. Day. I call upon youth, parents, educators, and all Americans to observe this day by joining the fight against drugs in your communities. I also encourage our citizens to express appreciation for the law enforcement officers, volunteers, and others who work to help young people avoid the dangers of drug use. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7540 of April 12, 2002 Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Pan America comprises a set of regional relationships that connects the nations of the Western Hemisphere in an increasingly interdependent network of commercial and cultural communities. Every nation in Pan America, with one notable exception, is committed to promoting freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Over the past year, the Pan American nations have become increasingly united in purpose, seeking to ensure the preservation of the freedoms inherent in democracy, to promote good governance, to enhance economic development across the hemisphere, to protect human rights, and to combat terrorism, transnational crime, and narcotics trafficking. Continued progress in achieving these goals will greatly improve the future of the Americas. As a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation that binds us together as citizens of North, Central, and South America, the Pan American nations have built a common front against the threat of terrorism. Meeting in consultation on September 19, 2001, the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council invoked the Rio Treaty, declaring that the terrorist attacks of September 11, were attacks against all of the Americas. Later that same month, the OAS Foreign Ministers called for measures to strengthen hemispheric cooperation and adopted binding commitments, demonstrating that this hemisphere is prepared to guard the freedoms that form the foundation of democracy. This firm response to the terrorist acts followed another milestone for the region, namely, the adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. In approving this document by acclamation, the nations of the Western Hemisphere established democracy as the birthright of every person in the Americas. The words of this charter affirm that govern-
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