[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7834 of October 18, 2004


 
National Character Counts Week, 2004


By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Individuals have the power to do much good, and great societies are
built by knowing the difference between right and wrong. People of
character strengthen our country through their daily actions. To help
children fulfill their potential and build a more hopeful future for our
Nation, we must continue to encourage and support the character
development of our young people and support the institutions that give
direction and purpose: our families, our schools, and our faith-based
and community organizations.
Americans of all ages continue to inspire others with their compassion
and decency by giving their time to faith-based and community
organizations and bringing hope to others at home and around the world.
The Senior Corps has more than 500,000 caring souls serving in its
programs; the Peace Corps has grown to its highest number of volunteers
in 28 years; and AmeriCorps will grow by 50 percent to 75,000 members
this year. Almost two million students volunteer each year through the
Learn and Serve America programs, which incorporate

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community service as a vital part of education. In addition, more than
1,300 communities have formed Citizen Corps Councils; over 10,000
communities have registered Neighborhood Watch programs; more than
27,000 Americans are serving in the Medical Reserve Corps; over 52,000
citizens have completed Community Emergency Response Team training; and
there are more than 68,000 volunteers in the Volunteers in Police
Service program. The true strength of America lies in the hearts and
souls of its citizens, and these volunteers are making our country
better and stronger.
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 17 through October
23, 2004, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon public
officials, educators, librarians, parents, students, and all Americans
to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and
programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7835--OCT. 20, 2004