National Volunteer Week, 2005

Proclamation 7885 of April 14, 2005

National Volunteer Week, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The great strength of our Nation is found in the hearts
and souls of the American people. During National
Volunteer Week, we recognize the millions of
individuals who touch our lives as soldiers in
America's armies of compassion. Our Nation's volunteers
inspire us with their dedication, commitment, and
efforts to build a more hopeful country for our
citizens.

Americans take pride in the example of citizens who
give their time and energy to care for the most
vulnerable among us. In the past year, millions of
volunteers have mentored children, provided shelter for
the homeless, prepared for and responded to disasters,
cared for the sick and elderly, fed the hungry, and
performed other acts of kindness and community service.
These selfless deeds have contributed to a culture of
compassion and taught young people the importance of
giving back to their communities.

My Administration is encouraging volunteer service
through the USA Freedom Corps, and we have seen
tremendous growth in the number of volunteers. Last
year, over 64 million Americans offered their time as
volunteers, an increase of nearly 5 million people
since 2002. In the aftermath of the Indian Ocean
tsunami, the world witnessed the compassion of our
Nation as millions of our citizens donated generously
to help the many people affected by the disaster. By
participating in public service programs such as the
Peace Corps, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and grassroots
efforts such as Citizen Corps, our citizens are helping
others. My Administration also supports faith-based and
community groups whose volunteers bring hope and
healing to those in need.

During National Volunteer Week, we thank those who
volunteer to serve a cause greater than self, and I
commend the more than 200,000 Americans who have earned
the Volunteer Service Award from my Council on Service
and Civic Participation. I urge all those who wish to
get involved to visit the USA Freedom Corps website at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov. By giving back to our
communities, we can change America for the better one
heart and one soul at a time.

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 17 through April 23,
2005, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all
Americans to recognize and celebrate the important work
that volunteers do every day across our country. I also
encourage citizens to explore ways to help their
neighbors and become involved in their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

(Presidential Sig.)B