National Volunteer Week, 2002

Proclamation 7545 of April 19, 2002

National Volunteer Week, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Citizen service has always been a cornerstone of our
democracy. Since our founding, Americans have stepped
forward to serve the needs of others, strengthen our
communities, and defend the freedoms we treasure.

Our country and the world continue to see the
compassion, strength, and generosity of Americans in
the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Volunteers from across the Nation united to help meet
the needs of those harmed by the tragic attacks,
volunteering their time, their financial resources, and
their kindness.

The spirit that guided our response to the attacks is
still evident in Americans of every age group and
background who volunteer their time to enhance the
lives of others. These compassionate people work
through a broad range of organizations that reflect the
diversity of our country, including private charities,
faith-based organizations, schools, neighborhood
groups, volunteer centers, service clubs, and Federal
service programs. The efforts of millions of Americans
help solve some of our most pressing problems and build
bonds of trust among people.

To tap further into our Nation's vast resources of
compassion and strength, I recently created the USA
Freedom Corps (USAFC). And I have called on all
Americans to give at least 2 years--or 4,000 hours--
during their lives in service to others. This service
is essential to forging a united response to overcoming
the challenges that face our Nation.

The USAFC will help unleash our armies of compassion,
enhance homeland security, provide additional service
and volunteer opportunities in our communities, and
help people in America and around the world to meet
important needs. Many Americans are already answering
the call, volunteering a few hours each week or a few
days each month to aid a local school, by mentoring or
tutoring a child. Citizens are also donating their time
to support a place of worship, to offer their expertise
to a neighborhood association, or to strengthen a local
service organization. Others are serving our country
full time in the military or in programs such as
AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps. I urge
citizens to keep a record of their service experiences
in a journal that will enable them to share them with
their children and grand children, inspiring new
generations to engage in community service.

The spirit exemplified by America's volunteers will
help create a culture of responsibility and caring that
will inspire us to achieve greatness as a Nation.
During National Volunteer Week, I encourage all
Americans to learn more about how they can serve, to
volunteer to help those in need, and to encourage the
volunteers across the country who are answering the
call to service. Americans looking for a way to serve
can contact the USA Freedom Corps web site at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov or call, toll-free, 1-877-USA-
CORPS (872-2677).

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 21 through April 27,
2002, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all
Americans to join together to celebrate the vital work
that volunteers perform every day across our country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B