National Character Counts Week, 2010

Proclamation 8586 of October 15, 2010

National Character Counts Week, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's strength, even in the most challenging of
times, is found in the spirit and character of our
people. During National Character Counts Week, we
reflect upon the values of equality, fairness, and
compassion that lie at the heart of our country. These
qualities resonate in the countless humanitarian acts
and deep social consciousness of our citizens. From
lending a hand to those in need to caring for the sick,
selfless service is a fundamental American ideal, and
one we must instill in our children and grandchildren.

The strength and character of our country have always
come from our ability to recognize ourselves in one
another. Concern for the well-being of our fellow
Americans has shaped our Nation's development and will
continue to cast our future. As parents and educators,
community leaders and mentors, we share the
responsibility for instilling in our children this
fundamental principle. By demonstrating shared values
such as respect, curiosity, integrity, courage,
honesty, and patriotism, we help our youth develop the
strength of character that is the mark of our great
Nation. In turn, our young people will serve as models
of mutual regard and civility, and share in the
responsibility to maintain our schools and
neighborhoods as safe, supportive, and inclusive
environments.

Across America, countless individuals reflect our
highest ideals by offering their time and energy to
help make our communities safer, more nurturing places
to live. Their service results from a decision to
become engaged, and it often becomes a lifelong
commitment. During National Character Counts Week, let
us take this opportunity to celebrate the generosity of
America's character, and to fortify and inspire it in
our next generation of leaders.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 17 through
October 23, 2010, as National Character Counts Week. I
call upon all public officials, educators, parents,
students, and Americans to observe this week with
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.