[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9043--OCT. 18, 2013

Proclamation 9043 of October 18, 2013

National Character Counts Week, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As Americans, we are bound together by a set of ideals put forth by our
Founders--that we are all created equal, that we possess certain
unalienable rights, including the rights to life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness, and that, above all, we are one people. During
National Character Counts Week, we reflect on the ways we support one
another, the ways we come together and seek common ground, and the
lessons we teach our children about what citizenship means in the United
States of America.
Nowhere is our Nation's strength more evident than in the men and women
in uniform who embody the American spirit of selflessness, courage, and
sacrifice. Across the globe and here at home, they and their families
face challenges most of us will never fully understand so all of us can
live in freedom. Our public servants too, and our teachers, nurses, and
workers, toil without fanfare so the people of this country can count on
a secure homeland and a growing economy, a healthy future, and a chance
at success for their children.
The children we raise today are surrounded by proud examples of
integrity, and moral courage, but it is our task as parents, community
members, and leaders to teach them not only the skills they need to
succeed, but also the values that keep our country strong. This week, we
reaffirm our commitment to helping our children turn away from bullying,
harassment, and discrimination, and to giving them the confidence and
integrity to stand up for each other, imagine a brighter future, and
realize their dreams.
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 20 through
October 26, 2013, 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 eighteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA