[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 73 (Monday, April 18, 2005)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 20265-20266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7832]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 73 / Monday, April 18, 2005 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 20265]]


                Proclamation 7885 of April 14, 2005

                
National Volunteer Week, 2005

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The great strength of our Nation is found in the hearts 
                and souls of the American people. During National 
                Volunteer Week, we recognize the millions of 
                individuals who touch our lives as soldiers in 
                America's armies of compassion. Our Nation's volunteers 
                inspire us with their dedication, commitment, and 
                efforts to build a more hopeful country for our 
                citizens.

                Americans take pride in the example of citizens who 
                give their time and energy to care for the most 
                vulnerable among us. In the past year, millions of 
                volunteers have mentored children, provided shelter for 
                the homeless, prepared for and responded to disasters, 
                cared for the sick and elderly, fed the hungry, and 
                performed other acts of kindness and community service. 
                These selfless deeds have contributed to a culture of 
                compassion and taught young people the importance of 
                giving back to their communities.

                My Administration is encouraging volunteer service 
                through the USA Freedom Corps, and we have seen 
                tremendous growth in the number of volunteers. Last 
                year, over 64 million Americans offered their time as 
                volunteers, an increase of nearly 5 million people 
                since 2002. In the aftermath of the Indian Ocean 
                tsunami, the world witnessed the compassion of our 
                Nation as millions of our citizens donated generously 
                to help the many people affected by the disaster. By 
                participating in public service programs such as the 
                Peace Corps, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and grassroots 
                efforts such as Citizen Corps, our citizens are helping 
                others. My Administration also supports faith-based and 
                community groups whose volunteers bring hope and 
                healing to those in need.

                During National Volunteer Week, we thank those who 
                volunteer to serve a cause greater than self, and I 
                commend the more than 200,000 Americans who have earned 
                the Volunteer Service Award from my Council on Service 
                and Civic Participation. I urge all those who wish to 
                get involved to visit the USA Freedom Corps website at 
                www.usafreedomcorps.gov. By giving back to our 
                communities, we can change America for the better one 
                heart and one soul at a time.

                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 17 through April 23, 
                2005, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all 
                Americans to recognize and celebrate the important work 
                that volunteers do every day across our country. I also 
                encourage citizens to explore ways to help their 
                neighbors and become involved in their communities.

[[Page 20266]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 05-7832
Filed 4-15-05; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P