[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 41 (Monday, October 20, 2008)]
[Pages 1351-1352]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 8308--National Character Counts Week, 2008

 October 16, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    The strength of our Nation is found in the character of our 
citizens. During National Character Counts Week, we recommit ourselves 
to instilling strong values in our youth and encourage all Americans to 
develop good character.
    Parents and families can teach children the timeless principles of 
respect, responsibility, honesty, commitment, and compassion. In our 
communities, parents, mentors, clergy members, teachers, coaches, and 
neighbors serve as role models by dedicating their time and talents to 
help others. At home and abroad, members of our Armed Forces exemplify 
the true character of our Nation by bravely protecting our freedom and 
serving a cause greater than self.
    The Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura 
Bush, connects young people with caring adults and community 
organizations that help them avoid risky behavior and achieve success. 
By becoming actively involved in the lives of children, we can help our 
young people make the right choices and lead lives of integrity and 
achievement.
    National Character Counts Week is an opportunity for our citizens to 
reaffirm their responsibility to their communities and to recognize the 
importance of teaching strong values to our next generation of leaders. 
For more information on ways to set a positive example and make a 
lasting contribution to the future of our country, citizens can visit 
volunteer.gov.
     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 October 19 through 
October 25, 2008, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon public 
officials, educators, librarians, parents, students, and all Americans 
to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
programs.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 20, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 21.

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