For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 5, 2005
Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Leaders across the Americas understand that the hope for peace in
our world depends on the unity of free nations. Each year, the people
of the United States observe Pan American Day and Pan American Week to
honor our shared commitment to freedom, prosperity, and security. We
are working with our partners in the Western Hemisphere to advance our
common interests and values so that we can build a brighter future for
our citizens.
The idea of regional solidarity and inter American cooperation,
first envisioned in 1826 by Simon Bolivar, became a reality in 1890
when the First International Conference of American States concluded
its meetings in Washington, D.C. There, President Benjamin Harrison
praised the efforts of the countries in attendance for their desire to
work together as American States. Through the years, these efforts,
shared values, and mutual respect have strengthened this partnership.
Across our hemisphere, social, economic, military, and political
cooperation are widespread. Last year, trade officials of five Central
American nations and the Dominican Republic signed the Central American
Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement with the United States. I urge
the Congress to ratify this agreement, which will eliminate tariffs and
trade barriers and expand regional opportunities.
My Administration remains committed to the Inter American
Democratic Charter to advance democracy and defend freedom across our
region. Our Nation's continued support of democratic institutions,
constitutional processes, and basic liberties gives hope and strength
to those struggling in our hemisphere and around the world to preserve
the rule of law and their God given rights.
The democratic nations of the Western Hemisphere believe in the
rights and dignity of every person, and we believe that liberty is
worth defending. In the spirit of Pan American cooperation, we will
continue to work to strengthen ties among our nations and further
democracy, peace, and prosperity.
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 14, 2005, as
Pan American Day and April 10 through April 16, 2005, as Pan American
Week. 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 of America to honor these observances with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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