[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 203 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62985-62986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-27111]



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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 7365--National Character Counts Week, 2000



Proclamation 7366--National Forest Products Week, 2000



Proclamation 7367--White Cane Safety Day, 2000
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  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 62985]]

                Proclamation 7365 of October 14, 2000

                
National Character Counts Week, 2000

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The term ``character'' is derived from an ancient Greek 
                word meaning ``to inscribe,'' reflecting the conviction 
                that character is not innate, but rather is instilled 
                through the influence, example, and guidance of the 
                people around us. One of our greatest responsibilities 
                as adults and citizens, therefore, is to ensure that we 
                teach our children, by word and deed, the values that 
                will help them develop into men and women of strong 
                character.

                This vital endeavor begins with the family and 
                particularly with parents, who are their children's 
                first teachers. The process continues in our schools--
                not only in the classroom, but also in the hallways, in 
                the cafeteria, and on the playing field. We have many 
                opportunities to instill in our children the elements 
                of good character--citizenship, fairness, compassion, 
                honesty, tolerance, and responsibility--and it is up to 
                every citizen and organization to make the most of 
                these opportunities.

                My Administration has strived to assist parents, 
                caregivers, teachers, and religious and community 
                leaders in this vital effort. We have worked with the 
                entertainment industry to increase educational 
                programming on television and to create a voluntary 
                ratings system to help parents reinforce the values 
                they want to impart to their children. And 4 years ago, 
                I was proud to sign legislation that requires new 
                televisions sold in our country to include the V-chip, 
                a device that allows parents to control the programs 
                that their children watch on television. Recognizing 
                the significant amount of time our children spend in 
                school, we have also created partnerships with States 
                under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to 
                assist school districts in developing curriculum 
                materials, providing teacher training, and integrating 
                character education into the curriculum. We have funded 
                innovative after-school programs to offer young people 
                mentors and role models to inspire them and to engage 
                them in productive activities at the end of the school 
                day.

                We have also promoted citizen service--one of the 
                greatest character-building tools available to our 
                society. Through initiatives such as America Reads, the 
                Corporation for National and Community Service, the 
                National Senior Service Corps, the Peace Corps, and 
                AmeriCorps, Americans of every age, background, gender, 
                and race are experiencing the rewards of helping 
                others, and in the process becoming more responsible 
                citizens. We can also teach young Americans a vital 
                lesson about character by exercising our right to vote 
                and participating in the democratic process--a process 
                that Americans of notable character established more 
                than two centuries ago.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 October 15 through October 
                21, 2000, as National Character Counts Week. I call 
                upon the people of the United States, government 
                officials, educators, religious, community, and 
                business leaders to commemorate this week with 
                appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

[[Page 62986]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand, and of the Independence of the United States 
                of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 00-27111
Filed 10-18-00; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P