    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 16 (Monday, April 24, 2006)]
    [Pages 748-749]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8004--National Volunteer Week, 2006

    April 20, 2006

    By the President of the United States

    of America

    A Proclamation

        Throughout our country, volunteers make America stronger and better
    by reaching out to help their neighbors in need. During National
    Volunteer Week, we recognize the millions of individuals who dedicate
    their time, talents, and energy to making a difference in the lives of
    others and reaffirm our commitment to supporting these soldiers in the
    armies of compassion.
        In the 1830s, a Frenchman named Alexis de Tocqueville visited our
    Nation and saw that the secret to America's success was our talent for
    bringing people together for the common good and our willingness to
    serve a cause greater than self. Today, the great strength of America is
    still found in the hearts and souls of our people. By making a
    commitment to service, integrity, and good citizenship, our Nation's
    volunteers show their gratitude for the blessings of freedom and help
    build a more hopeful future for our children and grandchildren.
        Since we created USA Freedom Corps in 2002, my Administration has
    matched millions of willing volunteers with opportunities to serve in
    their communities. These kind-hearted individuals help people who hurt,
    mentor children who need love, feed those who are hungry, and shelter
    those who need homes. In the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes of
    2005, people throughout our great Nation opened their hearts to help the
    Gulf Coast recover and rebuild. We will continue to foster the efforts
    of the millions who care deeply about the future of our country and the
    plight of their fellow citizens. Americans can find more information
    about volunteer service opportunities in their own hometowns by visiting
    the USA Freedom Corps website at volunteer.gov.
        Our Nation is a force for freedom and prosperity, and our greatness
    is measured by our character and how we treat one another. During
    National Volunteer Week, and throughout the year, we appreciate the
    millions of volunteers across America and strive to be a more
    compassionate and decent society.
        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 23 through April 29,
    2006, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize
    and celebrate the important work that volunteers do every day throughout
    our country. I also encourage citizens to explore ways to help their
    neighbors in need and serve a cause greater than themselves.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth 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, 8:49 a.m., April 21,
    2006]

     Note: This proclamation was published in the  Federal Register on April
    24.

    [[Page 749]]