[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.