[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 204 (Wednesday, October 22, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 60615-60616]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-26831]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 204 / Wednesday, October 22, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 60615]]


                Proclamation 7724 of October 18, 2003

                
National Character Counts Week, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Many of our society's most cherished values, such as 
                equal treatment for fellow citizens and respect for the 
                law, depend in practice on individual character. During 
                National Character Counts Week, we recognize the 
                importance that good character has played in our 
                history, celebrate the great character exhibited by our 
                citizens, and reaffirm our commitment to promoting the 
                values that will ensure a better future for all.

                Throughout history, we see numerous examples of 
                character in action. Great social reformers like 
                Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Susan B. 
                Anthony demonstrated courage and resolve when they 
                stood firm in the face of injustice and acted to right 
                societal wrongs. Similarly, leaders like Abraham 
                Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, were able to guide our 
                Nation through critical periods because of their strong 
                personal convictions and sense of moral clarity. Today, 
                these and other heroes of history inspire us to pursue 
                virtue and character in our own lives.

                Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we 
                have seen the great character of our Nation in the 
                hearts and souls of our citizens and soldiers, and in 
                countless acts of kindness, generosity, and sacrifice. 
                To sustain this spirit and continue to improve our 
                society, we must promote a culture of service, 
                citizenship, and responsibility in our Nation. Through 
                the USA Freedom Corps, my Administration is offering 
                opportunities for citizens to give back to their 
                communities, helping millions of Americans meet vital 
                needs as active and engaged citizens in our democratic 
                society.

                The development of character and citizenship has always 
                been a primary goal of America's schools. Today, it is 
                more important than ever that we educate our young 
                people to be knowledgeable, compassionate, and involved 
                citizens of a free society. Since 2002, 47 State 
                education agencies and local school districts have 
                received grants to implement character education 
                programs. These grants help schools work with students, 
                parents, and community organizations to effectively 
                teach universal values such as respect, honesty, and 
                tolerance.

                This week, I urge all Americans to join me in promoting 
                good character in America. By teaching these values to 
                our children and living by these values in our own 
                lives, we can build a future of hope, compassion, and 
                opportunity for all.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 19 through October 
                25, 2003, as National Character Counts Week. I call 
                upon public officials, educators, librarians, parents, 
                students, and all the people of the United States to 
                observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, 
                activities, and programs.

[[Page 60616]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-26831
Filed 10-21-03; 9:20 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P