[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8586--OCT. 15, 2010

Proclamation 8586 of October 15, 2010
National Character Counts Week, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

America's strength, even in the most challenging of times, is found in
the spirit and character of our people. During National Character Counts
Week, we reflect upon the values of equality, fairness, and compassion
that lie at the heart of our country. These qualities resonate in the
countless humanitarian acts and deep social consciousness of our
citizens. From lending a hand to those in need to caring for the sick,
selfless service is a fundamental American ideal, and one we must
instill in our children and grandchildren.
The strength and character of our country have always come from our
ability to recognize ourselves in one another. Concern for the well-
being of our fellow Americans has shaped our Nation's development and
will continue to cast our future. As parents and educators, community
leaders and mentors, we share the responsibility for instilling in our
children this fundamental principle. By demonstrating shared values such
as respect, curiosity, integrity, courage, honesty, and patriotism, we
help our youth develop the strength of character that is the mark of our
great Nation. In turn, our young people will serve as models of mutual
regard and civility, and share in the responsibility to maintain our
schools and neighborhoods as safe, supportive, and inclusive
environments.
Across America, countless individuals reflect our highest ideals by
offering their time and energy to help make our communities safer, more
nurturing places to live. Their service results from a decision to
become engaged, and it often becomes a lifelong commitment. During
National Character Counts Week, let us take this opportunity to
celebrate the generosity of America's character, and to fortify and
inspire it in our next generation of leaders.
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 17 through
October 23, 2010, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon all
public officials, educators, parents, students, and Americans to observe
this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the

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Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA