[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8891--OCT. 19, 2012

Proclamation 8891 of October 19, 2012

National Character Counts Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

With every step in our journey toward a more perfect Union, Americans
have drawn strength from the values that bind us together as one people.
Personal integrity, mutual respect, commitment to service--these
timeless ideals have guided our Nation's progress for centuries,
inspiring us not only to see the best in each other, but also to seek
the best in ourselves. During National Character Counts Week, we
celebrate the principles that keep our country moving forward and renew
our commitment to sharing them with our sons and daughters.
As parents, teachers, mentors, and neighbors, it is up to all of us to
empower our children with a sense of excellence in everything they do--
from the classroom through careers and community involvement. We must
instill in them the creativity and imagination it takes to envision a
dream, and the drive and discipline it takes to realize one. We should
also underscore the values of responsibility and service that have
sustained our national life for generations. With these qualities, all
of us can seek out new horizons and opportunities with confidence,
secure in the knowledge that we can overcome the challenges and setbacks
that confront us.
To ensure that each and every American has the chance to fulfill their
promise, we must also teach our children to practice kindness and
respect. Many students across our country have experienced bullying

[[Page 2680]]

and harassment at school, online, or in their communities, eroding their
ability to thrive and feel that they belong. This week, let us reaffirm
our responsibility to make our schools and communities safe places that
nurture not only our students' talents and intelligence, but also their
sense of empathy and regard for one another.
During National Character Counts Week, we reflect on the principles that
give us strength to reach for our own dreams and vision to boost others
toward theirs. As we mark this important occasion, let us rededicate
ourselves to preserving and passing on those basic American values in
the years to come.
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 21 through
October 27, 2012, 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA