[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 43 (Monday, October 27, 2003)]
[Pages 1437-1438]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7724--National Character Counts Week, 2003

October 18, 2003

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Many of our society's most cherished values, such as equal treatment 
for fellow citizens and respect for the law, depend in practice on 
individual character. During National Character Counts Week, we 
recognize the importance that good character has played in our history, 
celebrate the great character exhibited by our citizens, and reaffirm 
our commitment to promoting the values that will ensure a better future 
for all.
    Throughout history, we see numerous examples of character in action. 
Great social reformers like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and 
Susan B. Anthony demonstrated courage and resolve when they stood firm 
in the face of injustice and acted to right societal wrongs. Similarly, 
leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, were able to guide 
our Nation through critical periods because of their strong personal 
convictions and sense of moral clarity. Today, these and other heroes of 
history inspire us to pursue virtue and character in our own lives.
    Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we have seen the 
great character of our Nation in the hearts and souls of our citizens 
and soldiers, and in countless acts of kindness, generosity, and 
sacrifice. To sustain this spirit and continue to improve our society, 
we must promote a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in 
our Nation. Through the USA Freedom Corps, my Administration is offering 
opportunities for citizens to give back to their communities, helping 
millions of Americans meet vital needs as active and engaged citizens in 
our democratic society.
    The development of character and citizenship has always been a 
primary goal of America's schools. Today, it is more important than ever 
that we educate our young people to be knowledgeable, compassionate, and 
involved citizens of a free society. Since 2002, 47 State education 
agencies and local school districts have received grants to implement 
character education programs. These grants help schools work with 
students, parents, and community organizations to effectively teach 
universal values such as respect, honesty, and tolerance.
    This week, I urge all Americans to join me in promoting good 
character in America. By teaching these values to our children and 
living by these values in our own lives, we can build a future of hope, 
compassion, and opportunity 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 19 through October 
25, 2003, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon public 
officials, educators, librarians, parents, students, and all the people 
of the United States to

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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 three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:20 a.m., October 21, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 20, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 22.