[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 17 (Monday, April 26, 2004)]
[Page 622]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7773--National Volunteer Week, 2004

 April 16, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our 
citizens. Across our country, citizens are donating their time and 
talents to improving lives and strengthening communities. During 
National Volunteer Week, we recognize and celebrate those who serve a 
cause greater than self.
    This year's theme, ``Volunteers Inspire by Example,'' highlights the 
role of volunteers in encouraging others to serve. Last year, more than 
63 million Americans gave their time to helping in their communities, an 
increase of 4 million from the prior year. Through the dedicated efforts 
of America's volunteers, we are building a culture of service, 
responsibility, and compassion, particularly among our young people.
    Volunteers can make a difference in many ways--by mentoring a child, 
caring for the ailing and elderly, building a playground, or caring for 
the environment. I created the USA Freedom Corps to help Americans find 
opportunities to volunteer. As I travel around our country, I am honored 
to meet citizens of all ages who volunteer through programs such as the 
Citizen Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps, as well as 
many other organizations. Their acts of kindness have a profound effect 
on people's lives and on the future of our country. To recognize those 
who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service, my 
Council on Service and Civic Participation presents individuals, 
families, and groups with the President's Volunteer Service Award. This 
award is a tribute to those whose outstanding efforts are helping make 
our country a better place.
    America's volunteers set a fine example for our Nation, and I 
encourage all Americans to look for a challenge in their communities and 
step forward to lend a hand.
    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 18 through April 24, 
2004, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all Americans to recognize 
and celebrate the important work that volunteers do every day across our 
country. I also encourage those who have not yet answered the call to 
explore ways to get involved.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth 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, 9:44 a.m., April 20, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on April 17, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
April 21.