[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 43 (Monday, October 29, 2001)]
[Pages 1537-1538]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7488--National Character Counts Week, 2001

 October 22, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Our Nation was built on a foundation of sound moral principles. The 
heroes of American history responded to threats to their freedom by 
choosing to fight for these timeless principles, assuming duties that 
superseded their self-interest. The character of America's founders was 
exemplified in their willingness to risk death in resisting tyranny and 
securing liberty and independence. From the frozen soil of Valley Forge 
to the beaches of Normandy and the deserts of the Persian Gulf region, 
American soldiers have answered the call of patriotic duty at great 
personal cost.
    Our Nation's character continues to define how we respond to those 
who threaten America's core principles of liberty, justice, and 
equality. We saw that character when, in the face of the terrible 
terrorist attacks of September 11, American firefighters, police 
officers, and airline passengers sacrificed their lives to save others. 
We saw it when people across our land donated blood for the victims. And 
we see it as the children of America donate dollars to help suffering 
Afghan children. These acts reveal that enduring patriotism and faith 
are part of the fabric of America.
    How our military is responding to these despicable attacks is also 
indicative of our national character. We are waging a war against 
terrorists who have hijacked their own peaceful religion in an attempt 
to justify their evil deeds. As we strike military targets, however, we 
also are dropping food, medicine, and supplies to relieve the suffering 
among the victims of the Taliban regime.
    The manner in which we face these and other challenges in this war 
will continue to influence our country for generations to come. In 
fulfilling our mission with both compassion and courage, we show our 
children what putting American values into action means. Similarly, 
parents should teach their children by word and deed to understand and 
live out the moral values that we hold, such as honesty, accepting 
responsibility for our actions, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
    Places of worship, faith-based organizations, and other community 
groups also play an important role in helping to shape young hearts and 
minds. Government should cultivate a climate that supports families and 
organizations that seek to instill sound moral principles in their 
children. My Administration's Faith-Based and Community Initiative 
proposes a program that will ensure that faith-based and community 
caregivers are welcomed as partners in these efforts. In addition, my 
budget triples the funds available for character education in public 
schools. I have also proposed to extend Federal after-school funding to 
programs run by faith-based and community-based organizations.
    During this week, we should reflect on the national character we 
inherited from our forefathers and on the obliga tion we now have to 
stand for morality and virtue in the face of evil and terror. Since 
September 11, our Nation has shown that we are prepared to respond to 
the evildoers who have attacked the principles for which we stand. Our 
national character shall guide us as we wage this war, and in that we 
know that evil will not triumph.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by

[[Page 1538]]

the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim 
October 21 through October 27, 2001, as National Character Counts Week. 
I call upon the people of the United States to commemorate this week 
with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second 
day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:37 a.m., October 29, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 23, and it will be published in the Federal 
Register on October 30.