National Character Counts Week, 2018

Vol. 83

Wednesday,

No. 206

October 24, 2018

Part III

The President

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Proclamation 9808--National Character Counts Week, 2018

Proclamation 9809--National Forest Products Week, 2018

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9808 of October 19, 2018

National Character Counts Week, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America is improved every day by men and women of great
character and integrity who understand that a
responsible citizenry is needed to ensure the
independence and prosperity of our Nation. The Founders
cherished opportunities to grow, including those that
require one to experience, learn from, and overcome
hardship. In difficult times, the American spirit is
tested and defined by the character of its citizens and
leaders. We have withstood this test time and time
again. During National Character Counts Week, we
recognize that our Nation's continued success depends
on the American people's courageous resolve to remain
united through times of both triumph and tragedy. We
also pledge to foster good character in our communities
and encourage children to form constructive habits.

Character is nurtured in our families and communities.
Parents and guardians have the unique responsibility to
teach young people valuable traits, such as
perseverance, courage, respect, and hard work. Teachers
as well as civic and church leaders also play an
integral role in helping our children adopt habits of
good behavior. Good examples set by mentors empower
youth to make smart choices that ultimately define them
as individuals and us as a Nation. Every American
should strive to live by example and never stop
improving their character.

Strong families, church communities, and civic
organizations have a significant effect on the positive
development of our youth. By empowering these strong
networks, my Administration is encouraging them to help
our youth to do their very best, learn from mistakes,
and become leaders. First Lady Melania Trump's BE BEST
initiative is improving the lives of young people by
championing evidence-based programs that help our
communities focus on the emotional, social, and
physical well-being of our children. As social media
and technology provide more opportunities for children
to communicate with each other, their ability to
influence others and be a force for good also expands.

This week, especially, we refocus our efforts to be
good examples--to our Nation's youth and each other--
and to promote acts of service and leadership. We also
express our gratitude to parents, guardians, teachers,
civic and church leaders, and mentors for their vital
work in raising children of strong character and
integrity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2018, 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 eighteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
third.