[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 17 (Monday, April 29, 2002)]
[Pages 667-668]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7545--National Volunteer Week, 2002

 April 19, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Citizen service has always been a cornerstone of our democracy. 
Since our founding, Americans have stepped forward to serve the needs of 
others, strengthen our communities, and defend the freedoms we treasure.
    Our country and the world continue to see the compassion, strength, 
and generosity of Americans in the aftermath of the attacks of September 
11, 2001. Volunteers from across the Nation united to help meet the 
needs of those harmed by the tragic attacks, volunteering their time, 
their financial resources, and their kindness.

[[Page 668]]

    The spirit that guided our response to the attacks is still evident 
in Americans of every age group and background who volunteer their time 
to enhance the lives of others. These compassionate people work through 
a broad range of organizations that reflect the diversity of our 
country, including private charities, faith-based organizations, 
schools, neighborhood groups, volunteer centers, service clubs, and 
Federal service programs. The efforts of millions of Americans help 
solve some of our most pressing problems and build bonds of trust among 
people.
    To tap further into our Nation's vast resources of compassion and 
strength, I recently created the USA Freedom Corps (USAFC). And I have 
called on all Americans to give at least 2 years--or 4,000 hours--during 
their lives in service to others. This service is essential to forging a 
united response to overcoming the challenges that face our Nation.
    The USAFC will help unleash our armies of compassion, enhance 
homeland security, provide additional service and volunteer 
opportunities in our communities, and help people in America and around 
the world to meet important needs. Many Americans are already answering 
the call, volunteering a few hours each week or a few days each month to 
aid a local school, by mentoring or tutoring a child. Citizens are also 
donating their time to support a place of worship, to offer their 
expertise to a neighborhood association, or to strengthen a local 
service organization. Others are serving our country full time in the 
military or in programs such as AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace 
Corps. I urge citizens to keep a record of their service experiences in 
a journal that will enable them to share them with their children and 
grand children, inspiring new generations to engage in community 
service.
    The spirit exemplified by America's volunteers will help create a 
culture of responsibility and caring that will inspire us to achieve 
greatness as a Nation. During National Volunteer Week, I encourage all 
Americans to learn more about how they can serve, to volunteer to help 
those in need, and to encourage the volunteers across the country who 
are answering the call to service. Americans looking for a way to serve 
can contact the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or 
call, toll-free, 1-877-USA-CORPS (872-2677).
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 21 through April 
27, 2002, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all Americans to join 
together to celebrate the vital work that volunteers perform every day 
across our country.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, 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, 8:45 a.m., April 23, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
24. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.