[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9593 of April 21, 2017

National Volunteer Week, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the spirit of compassion
and generosity that drives us to care for others, and we recognize
America's volunteers. Our volunteers are often unsung and unseen, but
they are heroes.
One of our Nation's greatest strengths has always been our citizens'
unique commitment to improving the lives of others. The principles of
charitable compassion and philanthropic collaboration were at the heart
of our Founding Fathers' efforts to build a culture that serves the
greater good. From our earliest days, Americans have answered the call
to help those in need--at home and around the world. This service,
fundamental to our Nation's character, is renewed each day by citizens
who generously give their time and talents to help others.
Our Nation's commitment to civic engagement continues to thrive.
American volunteers keep students on track for graduation, care for
seniors and veterans, and rebuild communities after terrible storms.
Beyond our borders, our volunteers often place their lives at risk as
they help those affected by war, poverty, and disease.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60 million
Americans volunteered in 2015, giving an estimated $185 billion in
service to their communities. The latest data shows that our Nation's
seniors lead the way in time spent volunteering, and we are immensely
thankful for their commitment. Our busy adults aged 35 to 54 volunteer
at the highest rates, and our communities depend on their continued
involvement. Our Nation continues to build a culture of service--the
volunteer rate among our teenagers has steadily climbed over the past
several years.
This week we pay tribute to the extraordinary faith-based, nonprofit,
national service, service club, military service, and community
organizations that provide volunteers with opportunities to serve. These
organizations engage and connect Americans from every walk of life.
Through the generosity of our citizens, we are reminded that each one of
us has a role to play in improving our communities. During the recent
International Week of Service, service organizations across the globe
came together to assist others and make an impact. This effort is a
shining example of how our Nation's generous volunteers continue to lead
the world in helping those most in need.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con

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stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 23
through April 29, 2017, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all
Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects
across our country and pledging to make service a part of their daily
lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
DONALD J. TRUMP