[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 5 (Monday, February 6, 2006)]
[Pages 143-144]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7977--Fourth Anniversary of USA Freedom Corps, 2006

January 30, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Americans enjoy great liberty and prosperity, and with these 
blessings comes an obligation to reach out to those in need. Over the 
past 4 years, USA Freedom Corps has

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worked to rally America's armies of compassion and bring together 
individuals and organizations committed to volunteer service. More than 
65 million people volunteered in 2005, an increase of 6.5 million since 
2002. As we celebrate the fourth anniversary of USA Freedom Corps, we 
recognize the many Americans who have stepped forward to help others, 
and we underscore our commitment to serving our Nation and people around 
the world.
    USA Freedom Corps was created to build on the countless acts of 
service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed the terrorist attacks 
of September 11, 2001. In the wake of the devastating tsunami of 2004 
and hurricanes of 2005, Americans have continued to demonstrate that the 
true strength of our Nation lies in the hearts and souls of our 
citizens. By reaching out to aid the victims of these tragedies, people 
across our country helped rebuild shattered lives and communities. Their 
acts of service again demonstrated that by loving our neighbors as 
ourselves, we can offer hope and healing to those who suffer.
    USA Freedom Corps is dedicated to expanding volunteer service and 
extending the goodwill of the American people. To help support our 
communities, respond to crises at home, and spread compassion around the 
globe, USA Freedom Corps works to strengthen public service programs 
such as the Peace Corps, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Citizen Corps. 
USA Freedom Corps encourages and promotes the good work of non-profit, 
faith-based, and community organizations. Through the President's 
Greeter Program and the President's Volunteer Service Award, USA Freedom 
Corps and the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation 
recognize Americans who have made serving their neighbors a central part 
of their lives. USA Freedom Corps has also created a comprehensive 
network of volunteer opportunities to help more Americans find ways to 
get involved in serving their communities.
    Through USA Freedom Corps, my Administration will continue to build 
a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in our country. To 
learn more about opportuni-
ties for volunteering, citizens can visit the
USA Freedom Corps website at www.volunteer.gov. By working together for 
a cause greater than self, we can strengthen our Nation, one person, one 
neighborhood, and one community 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 the Fourth Anniversary of 
USA Freedom Corps. I call upon the citizens of this great country to 
find ways to volunteer and help their fellow Americans. I commend the 
efforts of USA Freedom Corps and all those who have already answered the 
call to serve, and I encourage all Americans to donate their time, 
energy, and talents to the work ahead.

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.

                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 1, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
February 2.