    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 10103 of October 16, 2020
    National Character Counts Week, 2020
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    The foundation of any free and virtuous society is the moral character
    of its people. Personal responsibility, integrity, and the other values
    which define our unique American spirit underpin our system of self-
    government and inspire us to continue working toward a more perfect
    Union. As we observe National Character Counts Week, we think of the
    special individuals in our lives who exemplify the character qualities
    to which we all aspire. In looking to these examples of honor and
    virtue, we recognize that character is a learned attribute acquired
    through consistent, purposeful action, not an inherent trait. We must
    resolve to build lives and communities grounded in moral clarity in
    order to strengthen ourselves, our families, our communities, and our
    Nation.
    From small acts of kindness to supreme selfless sacrifice, everyday
    heroes and larger-than-life American historical figures have deepened
    the roots of freedom of our Nation. Individuals of integrity and
    principle lift us all to greater heights, evincing the same core virtues
    in both the depths of adversity and the heights of success. We see this
    exemplified every day by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who
    risk their lives to defend the cherished blessings of liberty we hold
    dear. We also see it every day in our communities from law enforcement
    professionals and first responders who devote their lives to the safety
    and well-being of others and face down danger. Community volunteers and
    faith organizations reveal the character of our Nation through their
    selfless giving of time and assistance to people in need. In places of
    learning, teachers and mentors build up our character by cultivating
    social and cultural awareness, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of
    responsibility in our future leaders. And in our homes, family members
    and loved ones offer compassion and guidance that also play a vital role
    in shaping our values.
    The inherent righteousness of America's moral character has perhaps
    never been needed more than in recent months as we have battled the
    coronavirus pandemic. In communities large and small throughout our
    country, acts of kindness have touched millions of individuals and
    families, uniting us under one common purpose to defeat the virus.
    Americans have selflessly supported their neighbors in need, delivering
    food and essential supplies to the most vulnerable and evincing a deep
    capacity for generosity and caring. Medical professionals have worked
    long hours at great personal risk to provide care to the sick and
    injured, and military personnel have mobilized to provide critical
    medical assistance and help keep us safe. Faith and community leaders
    have provided vital emotional support for those experiencing social
    isolation, and countless others have sacrificed to ease the burden on
    their family, friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers. This

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    week, as we continue to unite as one Nation to both defeat the virus and
    safely reopen our country, we are reminded of how far decency and
    compassion can go in helping others during times of great challenge and
    uncertainty.
    Every opportunity to show consideration for another person is also an
    opportunity to build habits of kindness and strengthen our character.
    Our words and deeds leave imprints in our homes, schools, communities,
    and places of worship. Throughout this week, we recommit to being more
    kind, loving, understanding, and virtuous. Together, as one national
    family, we must serve others with giving and grateful hearts to ensure
    our Republic remains strong, vibrant, and a beacon of hope for future
    generations.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 18 through
    October 24, 2020, 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 sixteenth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fifth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP