[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8258--MAY 20, 2008

Proclamation 8258 of May 20, 2008
A Day of Solidarity With the Cuban People, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of worship are among
the liberties that Americans cherish. Our Nation fully supports the
brave people who work to secure these liberties in the countries where
they are denied. And on this Day of Solidarity with the Cuban People, we
focus our attention on the men and women working to secure freedom,
democracy, and human rights for the citizens of Cuba.
For half a century, the Cuban people have suffered under oppressive
dictatorship. Under the rule of Fidel and Raul Castro, Cubans have seen
their political freedoms denied, their economy reduced to shambles, and
their families torn apart. The Cuban people deserve better--and the
American people stand with them as they work to achieve it.
The United States is rallying the free world to the cause of Cuban
liberty. We continue to shine a bright light on the Castro regime's
abuses--and America calls on the Government of Cuba to immediately and
unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience.
We keep these prisoners, their families, and all Cubans in our prayers.
Especially on this Day of Solidarity, we ask the Almighty to comfort and
strengthen those who suffer under the Castro dictatorship--and to hasten
the day when Cuba's suffering comes to an end.
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 May 21, 2008, as A Day of
Solidarity with the Cuban People to recognize those who are suffering in
Cuba, especially Cuba's prisoners of conscience.



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122 STAT. 5314

I call upon the citizens of the United States to mark this observance
with appropriate ceremonies and activities that demonstrate America's
resolute support for those living under the Castro regime.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of
May, 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