[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 15 (Monday, April 12, 2004)]
[Pages 532-533]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7767--Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2004

 April 2, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., we recognize the importance of 
teaching children good character and values. Families, schools, and 
religious congregations help instill in our children the enduring values 
of courage, compassion, integrity, and respect for differences of faith 
and race. By building the mind and character of every child in America, 
we encourage our children to make the right choices, and we create a 
future of promise and opportunity for all.
    As we promote good character, we must also advance excellence in 
education and set high standards for all of our students. By raising 
expectations, insisting on results, and challenging failure, we 
strengthen our schools and create an environment where every student can 
succeed.
    To help America's young people make the right choices, we need to 
provide them with good examples. Strong role models help children build 
confidence, gain knowledge, and develop good character. For the past 20 
years, this day has honored Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the 
Lubavitcher Rebbe. He helped establish education and outreach centers, 
offering social service programs and humanitarian aid worldwide. After 
his death in 1994, the Rebbe received the Congressional Gold Medal for 
his ``outstanding and lasting contributions toward improvements in world 
education, morality, and acts of charity.''
    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 2, 2004, as 
Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to 
strengthen our Nation by teaching our children about the culture of 
responsibility and citizenship.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of 
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, 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, 8:58 a.m., April 6, 
2004]

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

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