[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 15 (Monday, April 17, 2006)]
[Pages 669-670]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8000--National D.A.R.E. Day, 2006

 April 7, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On National D.A.R.E. Day, we honor the dedicated police officers and 
all those involved in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) 
program and underscore our commitment to helping young people say no to 
drugs and violence. By promoting positive youth development, D.A.R.E. 
programs across our country are helping our children make the right 
choices and build lives of purpose.

[[Page 670]]

    Since 1983, D.A.R.E. has taught young people how to recognize and 
resist the pressure to be involved in drugs, gangs, and violent 
activities. The D.A.R.E. program brings police officers into the 
classroom to answer tough questions about drugs and crime, teaches 
students how to avoid temptation, and encourages communication between 
young people and law enforcement. This program strengthens our 
communities and provides our children with a strong foundation for 
success.
    My Administration remains committed to helping our young people 
overcome the dangers of violence and the use of illegal substances. The 
Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, 
encourages local partnerships that empower families, schools, and 
communities to help young people reach their full potential. We are also 
strengthening youth drug prevention efforts on the State and local 
levels with the Strategic Prevention Framework and the Drug Free 
Communities program. These initiatives tailor prevention strategies to 
local needs and give community organizations the power to identify 
challenges and take actions to overcome them.
    In 2005, the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign and the 
Partnership for a Drug-Free America launched Above the Influence, an 
advertising and online campaign to encourage teens to reject drug use 
and other negative pressures. My Administration has also hosted a series 
of summits to educate community leaders and school officials on 
successful student drug testing.
    The struggle against alcohol abuse, drugs, and violence is a 
national, state, and local effort. Parents, teachers, volunteers, 
D.A.R.E. officers, and all those who help our young people grow into 
responsible, successful adults are strengthening our country and 
contributing to a future of hope for everyone.
     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 11, 2006, as 
National D.A.R.E. Day. I call upon young people and all Americans to 
fight drug use and violence in our communities. I also urge our citizens 
to support the law enforcement officials, volunteers, teachers, health 
care professionals, and all those who work to help our children avoid 
drug use and violence.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
April, 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, 8:50 a.m., April 10, 
2006]

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