[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7662 of April 10, 2003
 
Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2003

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

As a Nation, we must work to ensure that all our children have the
opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams. On
Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2003, we renew our commitment to
providing quality education and to teaching our children the values that
prepare them for lives as good neighbors and citizens.
Education has always been one of our Nation's top priorities. We place
great reliance and confidence in our public education system,
recognizing that it is one of the most important institutions of our
free soci

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ety. By helping our young citizens learn and develop skills, education
has spurred our progress and prosperity, driven our Nation's economy,
and enriched our culture.
Over the last 2 years, my Administration has taken significant action to
transform public education in America. In one of the most comprehensive
reforms ever passed, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 strengthened
our school systems and affirmed our fundamental belief in the promise of
every child. By raising expectations and insisting on results, we can
make a difference in the lives of all our children.
As part of our commitment to our children's future, we must also teach
young Americans to live lives of integrity and purpose, and to realize
the importance of loving others and contributing to their communities.
These values are first learned within the family, but all of our
citizens, and especially our teachers, can support parents in the
character education of our children. By guiding young people to
understand universal values such as tolerance, honesty, commitment to
family, service to others, and respect for the dignity of every life,
our schools and communities can help our Nation fulfill its great
potential.
For the past 19 years, on the anniversary of his birth, we have
recognized the contributions of the Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson,
the Lubavitcher Rebbe who was instrumental in establishing numerous
educational, social, and rehabilitative institutions. The Rebbe believed
that education is critical in cultivating the moral character of
students. He lived what he said: ``A single good deed on your part could
transform the world.''
Today in the United States, there is a growing momentum of acts of
kindness. Across our country, millions of Americans are helping to
reinforce a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility, and are
applying the compassion of America to our biggest problems and deepest
wounds. To build on these successes, we must instill these values in our
next generation of leaders. Amidst a world of challenges, we can equip
our children to carry our Nation into a future of promise and
possibility for all.
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 13, 2003, as
Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon all Americans to invest in
our Nation's future by helping our children understand the importance of
character and provide them the knowledge and values necessary to
succeed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of April,
in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH



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