Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- President Bush today declared Sunday a national pro-life day to foster respect for human life and his declaration may be the last one with pro-abortion incoming president Barack Obama taking over the White House next week. Bush has declared an annual pro-life day every year during his tenure.

In one of his final actions as president, Bush declared January 18 to be “National Sanctity of Human Life Day.”

“All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection," the presidential proclamation read.

"On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world,” the president added. “We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us."

"On this day and throughout the year, we aspire to build a society in which every child is welcome in life and protected in law," the president continued, using the now-famous wording given to him by recently-deceased Father Richard John Neuhaus.

The declaration includes a good explanation to Obama for what she should do as president when it comes to respecting human life both before and after birth.

“The most basic duty of government is to protect the life of the innocent," he explained. "We also encourage more of our fellow Americans to join our just and noble cause."

Bush also continued a steadfast defense of the pro-life actions he's taken as president.

"My Administration has been committed to building a culture of life by vigorously promoting adoption and parental notification laws, opposing federal funding for abortions overseas, encouraging teen abstinence, and funding crisis pregnancy programs,” the proclamation continues.

"In 2002, I was honored to sign into law the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which extends legal protection to children who survive an abortion attempt. I signed legislation in 2003 to ban the cruel practice of partial-birth abortion, and that law represents our commitment to building a culture of life in America," the president continued.

"Also, I was proud to sign the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which allows authorities to charge a person who causes death or injury to a child in the womb with a separate offense in addition to any charges relating to the mother," he added.

Bush also talked about promoting the value of human life when it comes to new science and research.

"America is a caring Nation, and our values should guide us as we harness the gifts of science," he said. "In our zeal for new treatments and cures, we must never abandon our fundamental morals. We can achieve the great breakthroughs we all seek with reverence for the gift of life."

The president closed the declaration with an optimistic tone.

"History tells us that with a cause rooted in our deepest principles and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens, we will prevail," he said.

The president urged all Americans to "recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being."

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