National Character Counts Week, 2009

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part III

The President

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Proclamation 8440--National Character Counts Week, 2009

Proclamation 8441--United Nations Day, 2009

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8440 of October 19, 2009

National Character Counts Week, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In communities across America, people are working
together to see our country through challenging times--
educating our children, caring for the sick, and
extending a hand to those in need. They remind us that
the true character of our Nation is revealed by the
good we do when the moment is challenging. During
National Character Counts Week, we pay tribute to the
men and women who are selflessly serving others,
inspiring and encouraging younger generations to
develop the compassion, dedication, and strength of
character that is the mark of our great Nation.

Instilling sound character and a sense of
responsibility in our children is critical to our
country's future. When we teach young people about
time-honored values like integrity and humility, we
promote good citizenship and civic virtues that will
guide them through life and sustain our democracy.
Parents play an integral role in cultivating the
character of their children, and they must help them
understand the consequences of poor choices and the
rewards of healthy, sound decisions. Teachers, clergy,
local leaders, and countless other volunteers can also
be role models and mentors for America's youth as they
devote their time and energy to serving their
communities. The brave members of our Armed Forces who
sacrifice every day for our Nation are tremendous
examples of strong character for us all to follow.

Throughout our history, the pursuit of our highest
ideals--hard work, curiosity, tolerance, and
patriotism--has been the quiet force behind our
progress. As Americans, we must hold true to these
fundamental values that have propelled us forward time
and again to adapt and lead in an ever-changing world.
National Character Counts week is an opportunity to
recognize the depth of America's character and to honor
those who pass on our values to future generations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 18 through
October 24, 2009, as National Character Counts Week. I
call upon public officials, educators, 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
nineteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.