National Volunteer Week, 1994

Proclamation 6673 of April 15, 1994

National Volunteer Week, 1994

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since the founding of our democracy, the ideal of
community service has been an integral part of our
national character. As the words of Thomas Jefferson
remind us, ``A debt of service is due from every man to
his country proportioned to the bounties which nature
and fortune have measured to him.'' Throughout our
history, Americans have been called upon to meet his
challenge a thousandfold. For our Nation is a place of
tremendous blessings--a noble purpose, a wealth of
resources, a diverse and determined people. We are rich
in the gifts of freedom. During this week especially,
we realize anew that shared responsibility is freedom's
price.

That our vibrant spirit of community has made our
country strong reflects our understanding of this
enduring truth. Every day, countless volunteers across
America work to address the fundamental necessities of
our people--educating our youth, protecting our
environment, caring for those in need. From children
who help older Americans after school to volunteer
firemen who guard our neighborhoods while we sleep,
these dedicated individuals bring a sense of hope and
security to everyone whose lives they touch. Their
service makes us stronger as a Nation, setting a
powerful example of leadership and compassion to which
we all can aspire.

This past year has marked the beginning of a new era
for America, an era in which those of us who have
benefited from this great land are acting on our
instincts to help others in return. Though government
has an important role to play in meeting the many
challenges that remain before us, we are coming to
understand that no organization, including government,
will fully succeed without the active participation of
each of us. Working family by family, block by block,
the efforts of America's volunteers are vital to
enabling this country to live up to the true promise of
its heritage.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, by the authority vested in me
by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do
hereby proclaim the week of April 17 through April 23,
1994, as ``National Volunteer Week.'' I call upon all
Americans to observe this week with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities as an expression
of their gratitude.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and eighteenth.

(Presidential Sig.)>