Ronald Reagan

“ Each year we renew our resolve to support the struggle for freedom throughout the world by observing Captive Nations Week. It is a week in which all Americans are asked to remember that the liberties and freedoms that they enjoy are denied to many peoples. With this observance, we hope to inspire those who struggle against military occupation, political oppression, communist expansion, and totalitarian brutality. We hope to inspire, but we also seek inspiration. Because the history of liberty is a history of resistance, we learn from those who live where the struggle is most urgent. ”

“ Freedom is not divisible. To maintain it for ourselves, we must pursue it for others. As President Roosevelt declared in 1941, "we look forward to a world founded upon four essential freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression-everywhere in the world. The second is the freedom of every person to worship in his own way-everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want... everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear . ”

“ America, built on a firm belief in the dignity and rights of all the members of the human race, continues to hold up that message to the world. Included in that message is unwavering opposition to all forms of oppression and despotism. ”