National D.A.R.E. Day, 2004

Proclamation 7768 of April 7, 2004

National D.A.R.E. Day, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) is one of
the most widely recognized substance abuse and violence
prevention programs in America. For more than 20 years,
D.A.R.E. has brought specially trained police officers
into classrooms to teach students about the importance
of making healthy choices. These efforts have helped
reduce illegal drug use in our country, but there
remains work to be done.

Drug abuse costs people their health and robs them of
their promise. A critical component of stopping illegal
drug use is cutting the demand for drugs, and D.A.R.E.
is an important part of expanding these efforts. By
introducing students to local police officers and
teaching them to become good citizens, D.A.R.E. also
strengthens communities.

To help prevent illegal drug use, my National Drug
Control Strategy includes the National Youth Anti-Drug
Media Campaign; support for drug-free community
coalitions; and $25 million for student drug testing.
Our hard work is showing results. Youth drug use
declined 11 percent between 2001 and 2003, meaning that
400,000 fewer young people used drugs.

As we educate young people about the dangers of illegal
drugs, we are also helping to heal those who have
fallen into addiction and working to disrupt the market
for illegal drugs. The collaborative efforts of
concerned citizens and officials at the Federal, State,
and local levels are making our neighborhoods safer and
our children healthier.

We will continue to work toward a society in which all
citizens are free from the devastating influence of
drugs. Law enforcement officials, community leaders,
faith-based groups, parents, teachers, and programs
like D.A.R.E. are all working to achieve this goal.

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 8, 2004, as National
D.A.R.E. Day. I call upon our youth, parents,
educators, and all Americans to join in the effort to
reduce drug use by expressing appreciation for the
health care professionals, law enforcement officials,
volunteers, teachers, and all those who help young
people avoid the dangers of illegal drugs and violence.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B