    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9196--OCT. 17, 2014

    Proclamation 9196 of October 17, 2014

    National Character Counts Week, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    For generations, our Nation's beliefs in mutual respect, shared
    responsibility, and equality for all have strengthened our bond as a
    people and guided our path--uniting us in times of crisis and inspiring
    us in moments of triumph. During National Character Counts Week, we
    reaffirm the principles that built America and dedicate ourselves to
    passing on our highest ideals to our children.
    We see the true character of our country in the examples set by the work
    and lives of our people. We see it in the educators, mentors, and
    parents who teach our kids not only to understand math and history, but
    also to know and show compassion and respect. We see it in first
    responders who put themselves in harm's way to protect strangers, and in
    our men and women in uniform who selflessly serve the land we love and
    defend the values we cherish. And we see it in small acts of kindness
    that define who we are as Americans and help us recognize our common
    humanity.
    When we give our daughters and sons a foundation of integrity, hard
    work, and responsibility, and when we empower them with the courage to
    choose these values in the face of cynicism, we prepare them for a
    lifetime of engaged citizenship and create stronger communities across
    America. This week, and all year long, let us all do our part to ensure
    the fundamental tenets that have shaped our Union from its founding
    continue to sustain us and draw out the best in each of us.
    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 19 through
    October 25, 2014, 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 seventeenth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of

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