[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 77 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 21685-21686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9207]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 77 / Wednesday, April 21, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 21685]]


                Proclamation 7773 of April 16, 2004

                
National Volunteer Week, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of 
                our citizens. Across our country, citizens are donating 
                their time and talents to improving lives and 
                strengthening communities. During National Volunteer 
                Week, we recognize and celebrate those who serve a 
                cause greater than self.

                This year's theme, ``Volunteers Inspire by Example,'' 
                highlights the role of volunteers in encouraging others 
                to serve. Last year, more than 63 million Americans 
                gave their time to helping in their communities, an 
                increase of 4 million from the prior year. Through the 
                dedicated efforts of America's volunteers, we are 
                building a culture of service, responsibility, and 
                compassion, particularly among our young people.

                Volunteers can make a difference in many ways--by 
                mentoring a child, caring for the ailing and elderly, 
                building a playground, or caring for the environment. I 
                created the USA Freedom Corps to help Americans find 
                opportunities to volunteer. As I travel around our 
                country, I am honored to meet citizens of all ages who 
                volunteer through programs such as the Citizen Corps, 
                AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps, as well 
                as many other organizations. Their acts of kindness 
                have a profound effect on people's lives and on the 
                future of our country. To recognize those who have 
                demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer 
                service, my Council on Service and Civic Participation 
                presents individuals, families, and groups with the 
                President's Volunteer Service Award. This award is a 
                tribute to those whose outstanding efforts are helping 
                make our country a better place.

                America's volunteers set a fine example for our Nation, 
                and I encourage all Americans to look for a challenge 
                in their communities and step forward to lend a hand.

                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 April 18 through April 24, 
                2004, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all 
                Americans to recognize and celebrate the important work 
                that volunteers do every day across our country. I also 
                encourage those who have not yet answered the call to 
                explore ways to get involved.

[[Page 21686]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-9207
Filed 4-20-04;9:44 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P