[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 71 (Thursday, April 12, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22179-22180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9017]



[[Page 22177]]

Vol. 77

Thursday,

No. 71

April 12, 2012

Part III





The President





-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Proclamation 8797--National Volunteer Week, 2012



Proclamation 8798--Pan American Day and Pan American Week, 2012



Proclamation 8799--National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 
2012
 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 71 / Thursday, April 12, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 22179]]

                Proclamation 8797 of April 9, 2012

                
National Volunteer Week, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Our Nation has been profoundly shaped by ordinary 
                Americans who have volunteered their time and energy to 
                overcome extraordinary challenges. From the American 
                Revolution and the Seneca Falls Convention to the 
                everyday acts of compassion and purpose that move 
                millions to make change in their communities, our 
                Nation has always been at its best when individuals 
                have come together to realize a common vision. As we 
                continue to pursue progress, service and social 
                innovation will play an essential role in achieving our 
                highest ambitions--from a world-class education for 
                every child to an economy built to last. During 
                National Volunteer Week, we pay tribute to all who give 
                of themselves to keep America strong, and we renew the 
                spirit of service that has enriched our country for 
                generations.

                That spirit lives on today in countless acts of service 
                around our country. When one of the deadliest tornados 
                in our Nation's history touched down in Joplin, 
                Missouri, in May 2011, thousands of volunteers stepped 
                forward to serve their fellow citizens. They turned a 
                university into a hospital. They repurposed doors for 
                stretchers. They rushed food to those in need and 
                filled trucks with donations. To date, they have 
                committed more than half a million hours to bringing 
                support and shelter to a community during a time of 
                profound hardship and heartache. In Joplin and across 
                America, we see the transformative power of service--to 
                unite, to build, to heal.

                My Administration remains steadfast in our commitment 
                to empower more Americans with tools to shape their 
                communities. During my first 100 days in office, I was 
                proud to sign the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, 
                a landmark national service law that laid out a 
                strategy to link service with innovation, established 
                the groundbreaking Social Innovation Fund, and charted 
                the expansion of AmeriCorps. Last month, we launched 
                FEMA Corps, a new service corps that will enhance our 
                national capacity for disaster response and prepare its 
                members for careers in emergency management. Through 
                United We Serve and national service days, we continue 
                to connect individuals young and old to new 
                opportunities to reinvent their world through service--
                from fighting hunger and expanding access to healthy, 
                affordable food to mentoring young people and fostering 
                literacy. In all of these efforts, we are reminded how 
                volunteer work can expand opportunity not only for 
                those in need, but also for those who give. Service can 
                teach valuable skills that pave the way to long-term 
                employment and stay with volunteers throughout their 
                careers and lives.

                Service is a lifelong pursuit that strengthens the 
                civic and economic fabric of our Nation. With every 
                hour and every act, our lives are made richer, our 
                communities are drawn closer, and our country is forged 
                stronger by the dedication and generous spirit of 
                volunteers. I encourage every American to stand up and 
                play their part--to put their shoulder up against the 
                wheel and help change history's course. To get started 
                on a project near you, visit www.Serve.gov.

                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 April 15 through

[[Page 22180]]

                April 21, 2012, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon 
                all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in 
                service projects across our country and pledging to 
                make service a part of their daily lives.

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

[FR Doc. 2012-9017
Filed 4-11-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P