The term DECLARE PUBLICLY can be broken down into two words, PROCLAIM and ANNOUNCE. To PROCLAIM is to make a formal or authoritative statement, often in a public setting. It is usually done with a sense of importance or authority. To ANNOUNCE is to make a public statement, often with the intention of informing people of something. Both words are used to describe making a public statement, but PROCLAIM is more formal and authoritative while ANNOUNCE is more general.