National Volunteer Week, 2004

Proclamation 7773 of April 16, 2004

National Volunteer Week, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of
our citizens. Across our country, citizens are donating
their time and talents to improving lives and
strengthening communities. During National Volunteer
Week, we recognize and celebrate those who serve a
cause greater than self.

This year's theme, ``Volunteers Inspire by Example,''
highlights the role of volunteers in encouraging others
to serve. Last year, more than 63 million Americans
gave their time to helping in their communities, an
increase of 4 million from the prior year. Through the
dedicated efforts of America's volunteers, we are
building a culture of service, responsibility, and
compassion, particularly among our young people.

Volunteers can make a difference in many ways--by
mentoring a child, caring for the ailing and elderly,
building a playground, or caring for the environment. I
created the USA Freedom Corps to help Americans find
opportunities to volunteer. As I travel around our
country, I am honored to meet citizens of all ages who
volunteer through programs such as the Citizen Corps,
AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps, as well
as many other organizations. Their acts of kindness
have a profound effect on people's lives and on the
future of our country. To recognize those who have
demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer
service, my Council on Service and Civic Participation
presents individuals, families, and groups with the
President's Volunteer Service Award. This award is a
tribute to those whose outstanding efforts are helping
make our country a better place.

America's volunteers set a fine example for our Nation,
and I encourage all Americans to look for a challenge
in their communities and step forward to lend a hand.

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 18 through April 24,
2004, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all
Americans to recognize and celebrate the important work
that volunteers do every day across our country. I also
encourage those who have not yet answered the call to
explore ways to get involved.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth 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