National D.A.R.E. Day, 2006

Proclamation 8000 of April 7, 2006

National D.A.R.E. Day, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On National D.A.R.E. Day, we honor the dedicated police
officers and all those involved in the Drug Abuse
Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program and underscore
our commitment to helping young people say no to drugs
and violence. By promoting positive youth development,
D.A.R.E. programs across our country are helping our
children make the right choices and build lives of
purpose.

Since 1983, D.A.R.E. has taught young people how to
recognize and resist the pressure to be involved in
drugs, gangs, and violent activities. The D.A.R.E.
program brings police officers into the classroom to
answer tough questions about drugs and crime, teaches
students how to avoid temptation, and encourages
communication between young people and law enforcement.
This program strengthens our communities and provides
our children with a strong foundation for success.

My Administration remains committed to helping our
young people overcome the dangers of violence and the
use of illegal substances. The Helping America's Youth
initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, encourages
local partnerships that empower families, schools, and
communities to help young people reach their full
potential. We are also strengthening youth drug
prevention efforts on the State and local levels with
the Strategic Prevention Framework and the Drug Free
Communities program. These initiatives tailor
prevention strategies to local needs and give community
organizations the power to identify challenges and take
actions to overcome them.

In 2005, the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America launched
Above the Influence, an advertising and online campaign
to encourage teens to reject drug use and other
negative pressures. My Administration has also hosted a
series of summits to educate community leaders and
school officials on successful student drug testing.

The struggle against alcohol abuse, drugs, and violence
is a national, state, and local effort. Parents,
teachers, volunteers, D.A.R.E. officers, and all those
who help our young people grow into responsible,
successful adults are strengthening our country and
contributing to a future of hope for everyone.

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 11, 2006, as National
D.A.R.E. Day. I call upon young people and all
Americans to fight drug use and violence in our
communities. I also urge our citizens to support the
law enforcement officials, volunteers, teachers, health
care professionals, and all those who work to help our
children avoid drug use and violence.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B