[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 43 (Monday, October 28, 2002)]
[Pages 1813-1814]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7612--National Character Counts Week, 2002

 October 18, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    President Theodore Roosevelt once said that, ``Character, in the 
long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of 
nations alike.'' During National Character Counts Week, Americans 
reaffirm our dedication to promoting good character and upholding the 
timeless virtues that make our Nation strong.
    Our Founding Fathers understood that our country would survive and 
flourish if our Nation was committed to good character and an unyielding 
dedication to liberty and justice for all. Throughout our history, our 
most honorable heroes practiced the values of hard work and honesty, 
commitment to excellence and courage, and self-discipline and 
perseverance. Today, as we work to preserve peace and freedom throughout 
the world, we are guided by a national character that respects human 
dignity and values every life.
    The future success of our Nation depends on our children's ability 
to understand the difference between right and wrong and to have the 
strength of character to make the right choices. To help them reach 
their full potential and live with integrity and pride, we must teach 
our children to be kind, responsible, honest, and self-disciplined. 
These important values are first learned in the family, but all of our 
citizens have an obligation to support parents in the character 
education of our children.
    Our schools play a crucial role in teaching the skills, knowledge, 
and moral values that will help our children succeed. As Martin Luther 
King, Jr., stated, ``. . . intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus 
character--that is the goal of true education.'' By guiding children to 
understand universal values such as respect, tolerance, compassion, and 
commitment to family and community, our schools are working to achieve 
this goal.
    My Administration is committed to promoting character by encouraging 
public service and civic awareness. The USA Freedom Corps is helping 
citizens discover volunteer opportunities in their communities and 
spreading the message that everyone can do something to care for their 
neighbors in need. This past June, we convened the White House 
Conference on Character and Community, which showcased programs from 
around the country that are proving that sound values can be effectively 
taught.
    By affirming the importance of good character in our society and 
encouraging all people to lead lives of virtuous purpose, we can prepare 
our Nation, and especially our Nation's children, for the challenges and 
opportunities that lie ahead. Strengthening our national character will 
help secure greater opportunity, prosperity, and hope for all.
     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 October 20 through 
October 26, 2002, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon all 
public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the 
United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, 
activities, and programs.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:07 a.m., October 22, 
2002]

[[Page 1814]]

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