National Character Counts Week, 2020

Proclamation 10103 of October 16, 2020

National Character Counts Week, 2020

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The foundation of any free and virtuous society is the
moral character of its people. Personal responsibility,
integrity, and the other values which define our unique
American spirit underpin our system of self-government
and inspire us to continue working toward a more
perfect Union. As we observe National Character Counts
Week, we think of the special individuals in our lives
who exemplify the character qualities to which we all
aspire. In looking to these examples of honor and
virtue, we recognize that character is a learned
attribute acquired through consistent, purposeful
action, not an inherent trait. We must resolve to build
lives and communities grounded in moral clarity in
order to strengthen ourselves, our families, our
communities, and our Nation.

From small acts of kindness to supreme selfless
sacrifice, everyday heroes and larger-than-life
American historical figures have deepened the roots of
freedom of our Nation. Individuals of integrity and
principle lift us all to greater heights, evincing the
same core virtues in both the depths of adversity and
the heights of success. We see this exemplified every
day by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who
risk their lives to defend the cherished blessings of
liberty we hold dear. We also see it every day in our
communities from law enforcement professionals and
first responders who devote their lives to the safety
and well-being of others and face down danger.
Community volunteers and faith organizations reveal the
character of our Nation through their selfless giving
of time and assistance to people in need. In places of
learning, teachers and mentors build up our character
by cultivating social and cultural awareness,
intellectual curiosity, and a sense of responsibility
in our future leaders. And in our homes, family members
and loved ones offer compassion and guidance that also
play a vital role in shaping our values.

The inherent righteousness of America's moral character
has perhaps never been needed more than in recent
months as we have battled the coronavirus pandemic. In
communities large and small throughout our country,
acts of kindness have touched millions of individuals
and families, uniting us under one common purpose to
defeat the virus. Americans have selflessly supported
their neighbors in need, delivering food and essential
supplies to the most vulnerable and evincing a deep
capacity for generosity and caring. Medical
professionals have worked long hours at great personal
risk to provide care to the sick and injured, and
military personnel have mobilized to provide critical
medical assistance and help keep us safe. Faith and
community leaders have provided vital emotional support
for those experiencing social isolation, and countless
others have sacrificed to ease the burden on their
family, friends, neighbors, and even complete
strangers. This week, as we continue to unite as one
Nation to both defeat the virus and safely reopen our
country, we are reminded of how far decency and
compassion can go in helping others during times of
great challenge and uncertainty.

Every opportunity to show consideration for another
person is also an opportunity to build habits of
kindness and strengthen our character. Our words

and deeds leave imprints in our homes, schools,
communities, and places of worship. Throughout this
week, we recommit to being more kind, loving,
understanding, and virtuous. Together, as one national
family, we must serve others with giving and grateful
hearts to ensure our Republic remains strong, vibrant,
and a beacon of hope for future generations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 18 through
October 24, 2020, as National Character Counts Week. I
call upon public officials, educators, 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 twenty, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.