[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 204 (Friday, October 23, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 54891-54892]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-25764]



[[Page 54889]]

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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 8440--National Character Counts Week, 2009



Proclamation 8441--United Nations Day, 2009
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 204 / Friday, October 23, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 54891]]

                Proclamation 8440 of October 19, 2009

                
National Character Counts Week, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In communities across America, people are working 
                together to see our country through challenging times--
                educating our children, caring for the sick, and 
                extending a hand to those in need. They remind us that 
                the true character of our Nation is revealed by the 
                good we do when the moment is challenging. During 
                National Character Counts Week, we pay tribute to the 
                men and women who are selflessly serving others, 
                inspiring and encouraging younger generations to 
                develop the compassion, dedication, and strength of 
                character that is the mark of our great Nation.

                Instilling sound character and a sense of 
                responsibility in our children is critical to our 
                country's future. When we teach young people about 
                time-honored values like integrity and humility, we 
                promote good citizenship and civic virtues that will 
                guide them through life and sustain our democracy. 
                Parents play an integral role in cultivating the 
                character of their children, and they must help them 
                understand the consequences of poor choices and the 
                rewards of healthy, sound decisions. Teachers, clergy, 
                local leaders, and countless other volunteers can also 
                be role models and mentors for America's youth as they 
                devote their time and energy to serving their 
                communities. The brave members of our Armed Forces who 
                sacrifice every day for our Nation are tremendous 
                examples of strong character for us all to follow.

                Throughout our history, the pursuit of our highest 
                ideals--hard work, curiosity, tolerance, and 
                patriotism--has been the quiet force behind our 
                progress. As Americans, we must hold true to these 
                fundamental values that have propelled us forward time 
                and again to adapt and lead in an ever-changing world. 
                National Character Counts week is an opportunity to 
                recognize the depth of America's character and to honor 
                those who pass on our values to future generations.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim October 18 through 
                October 24, 2009, as National Character Counts Week. I 
                call upon public officials, educators, parents, 
                students, and all Americans to observe this week with 
                appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

[[Page 54892]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                nineteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-25764
Filed 10-22-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P