National Character Counts Week, 2004

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Part III

The President

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Proclamation 7834--National Character Counts Week, 2004

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7834 of October 18, 2004

National Character Counts Week, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Individuals have the power to do much good, and great
societies are built by knowing the difference between
right and wrong. People of character strengthen our
country through their daily actions. To help children
fulfill their potential and build a more hopeful future
for our Nation, we must continue to encourage and
support the character development of our young people
and support the institutions that give direction and
purpose: our families, our schools, and our faith-based
and community organizations.

Americans of all ages continue to inspire others with
their compassion and decency by giving their time to
faith-based and community organizations and bringing
hope to others at home and around the world. The Senior
Corps has more than 500,000 caring souls serving in its
programs; the Peace Corps has grown to its highest
number of volunteers in 28 years; and AmeriCorps will
grow by 50 percent to 75,000 members this year. Almost
two million students volunteer each year through the
Learn and Serve America programs, which incorporate
community service as a vital part of education. In
addition, more than 1,300 communities have formed
Citizen Corps Councils; over 10,000 communities have
registered Neighborhood Watch programs; more than
27,000 Americans are serving in the Medical Reserve
Corps; over 52,000 citizens have completed Community
Emergency Response Team training; and there are more
than 68,000 volunteers in the Volunteers in Police
Service program. The true strength of America lies in
the hearts and souls of its citizens, and these
volunteers are making our country better and stronger.

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 October 17 through October
23, 2004, as National Character Counts Week. I call
upon public officials, educators, librarians, 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
eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

(Presidential Sig.)B