[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8000--APR. 7, 2006
Proclamation 8000 of April 7, 2006
National D.A.R.E. Day, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On National D.A.R.E. Day, we honor the dedicated police officers and all
those involved in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program
and underscore our commitment to helping young people say no to drugs
and violence. By promoting positive youth development, D.A.R.E. programs
across our country are helping our children make the right choices and
build lives of purpose.
Since 1983, D.A.R.E. has taught young people how to recognize and resist
the pressure to be involved in drugs, gangs, and violent activities. The
D.A.R.E. program brings police officers into the classroom to answer
tough questions about drugs and crime, teaches students how to avoid
temptation, and encourages communication between young people and law
enforcement. This program strengthens our communities and provides our
children with a strong foundation for success.
My Administration remains committed to helping our young people overcome
the dangers of violence and the use of illegal substances. The Helping
America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, encourages
local partnerships that empower families, schools, and communities to
help young people reach their full potential. We are also strengthening
youth drug prevention efforts on the State and local levels with the
Strategic Prevention Framework and the Drug Free Communities program.
These initiatives tailor prevention strategies to local needs and give
community organizations the power to identify challenges and take
actions to overcome them.
In 2005, the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign and the Partnership
for a Drug-Free America launched Above the Influence, an advertising and
online campaign to encourage teens to reject drug use and other negative
pressures. My Administration has also hosted a se

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ries of summits to educate community leaders and school officials on
successful student drug testing.
The struggle against alcohol abuse, drugs, and violence is a national,
state, and local effort. Parents, teachers, volunteers, D.A.R.E.
officers, and all those who help our young people grow into responsible,
successful adults are strengthening our country and contributing to a
future of hope for everyone.
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 11, 2006, as
National D.A.R.E. Day. I call upon young people and all Americans to
fight drug use and violence in our communities. I also urge our citizens
to support the law enforcement officials, volunteers, teachers, health
care professionals, and all those who work to help our children avoid
drug use and violence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh 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.
GEORGE W. BUSH