[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 15 (Monday, April 18, 2005)]
[Pages 605-606]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7885--National Volunteer Week, 2005

 April 14, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The great strength of our Nation is found in the hearts and souls of 
the American people. During National Volunteer Week, we recognize the 
millions of individuals who touch our lives as soldiers in America's 
armies of compassion. Our Nation's volunteers inspire us with their 
dedication, commitment, and efforts to build a more hopeful country for 
our citizens.
    Americans take pride in the example of citizens who give their time 
and energy to care for the most vulnerable among us. In the past year, 
millions of volunteers have mentored children, provided shelter for the 
homeless, prepared for and responded to disasters, cared for the sick 
and elderly, fed the hungry, and performed other acts of kindness and 
community service. These selfless deeds have contributed to a culture of 
compassion and taught young people the importance of giving back to 
their communities.
    My Administration is encouraging volunteer service through the USA 
Freedom Corps, and we have seen tremendous growth in the number of 
volunteers. Last year, over 64 million Americans offered their time as 
volunteers, an increase of nearly 5 million people since 2002. In the 
aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami, the world witnessed the 
compassion of our Nation as millions of our citizens donated generously 
to help the many people affected by the disaster. By participating in 
public service programs such as the Peace Corps, Senior Corps, 
AmeriCorps, and grassroots efforts such as Citizen Corps, our citizens 
are helping others. My Administration also supports faith-based and 
community groups whose volunteers bring hope and healing to those in 
need.
    During National Volunteer Week, we thank those who volunteer to 
serve a cause greater than self, and I commend the more than 200,000 
Americans who have earned the Volunteer Service Award from my Council on 
Service and Civic Participation. I urge all those who wish to get 
involved to visit the USA Freedom Corps website at 
www.usafreedomcorps.gov. By giving back to our communities, we can 
change America for the better one heart and one soul at a time.
    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 17 through April 23, 
2005, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize 
and celebrate the important work that volunteers do every day across our 
country. I also encourage citizens to explore ways to help their 
neighbors and become involved in their communities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, 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, 8:45 a.m., April 15, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
18.

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