    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 15 (Monday, April 14, 2003)]
    [Pages 425-426]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 7662--Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2003

     April 10, 2003

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        As a Nation, we must work to ensure that all our children have the
    opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams. On
    Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2003, we renew our commitment to
    providing quality education and to teaching our children the values that
    prepare them for lives as good neighbors and citizens.
        Education has always been one of our Nation's top priorities. We
    place great reliance and confidence in our public education system,
    recognizing that it is one of the most important institutions of our
    free society. By helping our young citizens learn and develop skills,
    education has spurred our progress and prosperity, driven our Nation's
    economy, and enriched our culture.
        Over the last 2 years, my Administration has taken significant
    action to transform public education in America. In one of the most
    comprehensive reforms ever passed, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
    strengthened our school systems and affirmed our fundamental belief in
    the promise of every child. By raising expectations and insisting on
    results, we can make a difference in the lives of all our children.
        As part of our commitment to our children's future, we must also
    teach young Americans to live lives of integrity and purpose, and to
    realize the importance of loving others and contributing to their
    communities. These values are first learned within the family, but all
    of our citizens, and especially our teachers, can support parents in the
    character education of our children. By guiding young people to
    understand universal values such as tolerance, honesty, commitment to
    family, service to others, and respect for the dignity of every life,
    our schools and communities can help our Nation fulfill its great
    potential.
        For the past 19 years, on the anniversary of his birth, we have
    recognized the contributions of the Rabbi Menachem Mendel

    [[Page 426]]

    Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe who was instrumental in establishing
    numerous educational, social, and rehabilitative institutions. The Rebbe
    believed that education is critical in cultivating the moral character
    of students. He lived what he said: ``A single good deed on your part
    could transform the world.''
        Today in the United States, there is a growing momentum of acts of
    kindness. Across our country, millions of Americans are helping to
    reinforce a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility, and are
    applying the compassion of America to our biggest problems and deepest
    wounds. To build on these successes, we must instill these values in our
    next generation of leaders. Amidst a world of challenges, we can equip
    our children to carry our Nation into a future of promise and
    possibility 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 April 13, 2003, as
    Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to invest in
    our Nation's future by helping our children understand the importance of
    character and provide them the knowledge and values necessary to
    succeed.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
    April, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, 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, 8:45 a.m., April 14,
    2003]

    Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on April 11, and it will be published in the Federal Register
    on April 15.