George W. Bush

“ As a Nation forged from the ideals of freedom, justice, and human dignity, we will continue speaking out on behalf of oppressed people. We will support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation. This young century will be liberty's century, and during Captive Nations Week, we pledge to advance the cause of liberty for all people. ”

“ Building a free and peaceful world is the work of generations, and this work continues. America believes that freedom is God's gift to each man and woman in this world and that spreading freedom's blessings is the calling of our time. We are continuing to work to help spread liberty and democracy to people who have known fear and oppression. ”

“ When President Eisenhower issued the first Captive Nations Week proclamation in 1959, freedom was being denied by communist regimes in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Millions were deprived of their rights to freely practice religion, assemble in public, and exercise freedom of speech. The Cold War and the captivity of millions of people in Central and Eastern Europe have since ended, and we have witnessed the rise of democratic governments in countries across the globe. ”