[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 43 (Monday, October 25, 2004)]
[Page 2455]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7834--National Character Counts Week, 2004

 October 18, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Individuals have the power to do much good, and great societies are 
built by knowing the difference between right and wrong. People of 
character strengthen our country through their daily actions. To help 
children fulfill their potential and build a more hopeful future for our 
Nation, we must continue to encourage and support the character 
development of our young people and support the institutions that give 
direction and purpose: our families, our schools, and our faith-based 
and community organizations.
    Americans of all ages continue to inspire others with their 
compassion and decency by giving their time to faith-based and community 
organizations and bringing hope to others at home and around the world. 
The Senior Corps has more than 500,000 caring souls serving in its 
programs; the Peace Corps has grown to its highest number of volunteers 
in 28 years; and AmeriCorps will grow by 50 percent to 75,000 members 
this year. Almost two million students volunteer each year through the 
Learn and Serve America programs, which incorporate community service as 
a vital part of education. In addition, more than 1,300 communities have 
formed Citizen Corps Councils; over 10,000 communities have registered 
Neighborhood Watch programs; more than 27,000 Americans are serving in 
the Medical Reserve Corps; over 52,000 citizens have completed Community 
Emergency Response Team training; and there are more than 68,000 
volunteers in the Volunteers in Police Service program. The true 
strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of its citizens, and 
these volunteers are making our country better and stronger.
    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 17 through October 
23, 2004, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon public 
officials, educators, librarians, parents, students, and all Americans 
to 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 four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:31 a.m., October 20, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
21.