National Volunteer Week, 2006

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Proclamation 8004 of April 19, 2006

National Volunteer Week, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout our country, volunteers make America
stronger and better by reaching out to help their
neighbors in need. During National Volunteer Week, we
recognize the millions of individuals who dedicate
their time, talents, and energy to making a difference
in the lives of others and reaffirm our commitment to
supporting these soldiers in the armies of compassion.

In the 1830s, a Frenchman named Alexis de Tocqueville
visited our Nation and saw that the secret to America's
success was our talent for bringing people together for
the common good and our willingness to serve a cause
greater than self. Today, the great strength of America
is still found in the hearts and souls of our people.
By making a commitment to service, integrity, and good
citizenship, our Nation's volunteers show their
gratitude for the blessings of freedom and help build a
more hopeful future for our children and grandchildren.

Since we created USA Freedom Corps in 2002, my
Administration has matched millions of willing
volunteers with opportunities to serve in their
communities. These kind-hearted individuals help people
who hurt, mentor children who need love, feed those who
are hungry, and shelter those who need homes. In the
aftermath of the devastating hurricanes of 2005, people
throughout our great Nation opened their hearts to help
the Gulf Coast recover and rebuild. We will continue to
foster the efforts of the millions who care deeply
about the future of our country and the plight of their
fellow citizens. Americans can find more information
about volunteer service opportunities in their own
hometowns by visiting the USA Freedom Corps website at
volunteer.gov.

Our Nation is a force for freedom and prosperity, and
our greatness is measured by our character and how we
treat one another. During National Volunteer Week, and
throughout the year, we appreciate the millions of
volunteers across America and strive to be a more
compassionate and decent society.

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 23 through April 29,
2006, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all
Americans to recognize and celebrate the important work
that volunteers do every day throughout our country. I
also encourage citizens to explore ways to help their
neighbors in need and serve a cause greater than
themselves.

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