[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]

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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.

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