[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 15 (Monday, April 16, 2007)]
[Pages 443-444]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8123--National D.A.R.E. Day, 2007

 April 11, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Each year, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) teaches 
millions of children across our country how to resist drugs

[[Page 444]]

and violence. On National D.A.R.E. Day, we honor the individuals who 
help our Nation's young people avoid the dangers of substance abuse and 
become productive citizens.
    For more than two decades, D.A.R.E. programs have taught America's 
youth about the devastating effects of drug use and encouraged them to 
lead drug-free and violence-free lives of purpose. By opening the lines 
of communication between law enforcement, educators, and students, all 
those involved in D.A.R.E. help save lives and stop drug use before it 
starts.
    My Administration is dedicated to fighting drug use throughout our 
country. The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign is working with the 
Partnership for a Drug-Free America to teach our youth about resisting 
the pressure to use drugs. Additionally, the Helping America's Youth 
initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, encourages community 
partnerships that bring together families, faith-based and community 
organizations, and schools to help make a positive impact on the lives 
of young people. Through the Strategic Prevention Framework and the Drug 
Free Communities Program, we are also helping communities to develop 
effective local strategies to prevent substance abuse. By working 
together, we can reduce illicit drug use and help every child realize 
the promise of our country.
    Youth development programs like D.A.R.E. encourage our Nation's 
children to make healthy choices that lead to a better future. This 
year's National D.A.R.E. day is an opportunity to renew our commitment 
to building strong, drug-free communities.
     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 12, 2007, as 
National D.A.R.E. Day. I urge all young people to make good decisions 
and call upon all Americans to recognize our collective responsibility 
to combat every form of drug abuse and to support all those who work to 
help our children avoid drug use and violence.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:49 a.m., April 13, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
16.