National Character Counts Week, 2008

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8308 of October 16, 2008

National Character Counts Week, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The strength of our Nation is found in the character of
our citizens. During National Character Counts Week, we
recommit ourselves to instilling strong values in our
youth and encourage all Americans to develop good
character.

Parents and families can teach children the timeless
principles of respect, responsibility, honesty,
commitment, and compassion. In our communities,
parents, mentors, clergy members, teachers, coaches,
and neighbors serve as role models by dedicating their
time and talents to help others. At home and abroad,
members of our Armed Forces exemplify the true
character of our Nation by bravely protecting our
freedom and serving a cause greater than self.

The Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First
Lady Laura Bush, connects young people with caring
adults and community organizations that help them avoid
risky behavior and achieve success. By becoming
actively involved in the lives of children, we can help
our young people make the right choices and lead lives
of integrity and achievement.

National Character Counts Week is an opportunity for
our citizens to reaffirm their responsibility to their
communities and to recognize the importance of teaching
strong values to our next generation of leaders. For
more information on ways to set a positive example and
make a lasting contribution to the future of our
country, citizens can visit volunteer.gov.

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 19 through October
25, 2008, 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
sixteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.