National Character Counts Week, 2012

Vol. 77

Wednesday,

No. 206

October 24, 2012

Part III

The President

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Proclamation 8891--National Character Counts Week, 2012

Proclamation 8892--National Forest Products Week, 2012

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8891 of October 19, 2012

National Character Counts Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

With every step in our journey toward a more perfect
Union, Americans have drawn strength from the values
that bind us together as one people. Personal
integrity, mutual respect, commitment to service--these
timeless ideals have guided our Nation's progress for
centuries, inspiring us not only to see the best in
each other, but also to seek the best in ourselves.
During National Character Counts Week, we celebrate the
principles that keep our country moving forward and
renew our commitment to sharing them with our sons and
daughters.

As parents, teachers, mentors, and neighbors, it is up
to all of us to empower our children with a sense of
excellence in everything they do--from the classroom
through careers and community involvement. We must
instill in them the creativity and imagination it takes
to envision a dream, and the drive and discipline it
takes to realize one. We should also underscore the
values of responsibility and service that have
sustained our national life for generations. With these
qualities, all of us can seek out new horizons and
opportunities with confidence, secure in the knowledge
that we can overcome the challenges and setbacks that
confront us.

To ensure that each and every American has the chance
to fulfill their promise, we must also teach our
children to practice kindness and respect. Many
students across our country have experienced bullying
and harassment at school, online, or in their
communities, eroding their ability to thrive and feel
that they belong. This week, let us reaffirm our
responsibility to make our schools and communities safe
places that nurture not only our students' talents and
intelligence, but also their sense of empathy and
regard for one another.

During National Character Counts Week, we reflect on
the principles that give us strength to reach for our
own dreams and vision to boost others toward theirs. As
we mark this important occasion, let us rededicate
ourselves to preserving and passing on those basic
American values in the years to come.

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 21 through
October 27, 2012, 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 twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.