[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 23 (Monday, June 9, 2003)]
[Page 697]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message on the Great American Cleanup, 2003

May 30, 2003

    I send greetings to the participants of the 2003 Great American 
Cleanup. I am honored to serve as Honorary Chair of this event. America 
is a land of majestic beauty, and Americans can be proud of the 
remarkable progress we have made in protecting our environment and 
natural resources. Today, our air is cleaner, our waters are less 
polluted, and our lands are better protected, better managed, and more 
accessible to the American people. Through volunteer service programs 
such as the Great American Cleanup, we continue to preserve our natural 
heritage for future generations and make our communities more vibrant 
places to visit and live.
    I have called on every American to dedicate at least 4,000 hours 
over the rest of their lives to the service of others. Through the USA 
Freedom Corps initiative, my Administration is mobilizing individuals 
and organizations and providing opportunities for citizens to give back 
to their communities. Americans have responded with an outpouring of 
acts of kindness and volunteer service that is transforming our Nation, 
one heart and one soul at a time.
    I commend those involved with the Great American Cleanup for 
answering the call to serve. I also applaud Keep America Beautiful for 
50 years of encouraging Americans to take responsibility for improving 
the environment.
    Laura joins me in sending our best wishes.

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this message. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.