[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7885--APR. 14, 2005
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,

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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.
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH