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

 
PROCLAMATION 8004--APR. 19, 2006
Proclamation 8004 of April 19, 2006
National Volunteer Week, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Throughout our country, volunteers make America stronger and better by
reaching out to help their neighbors in need. During National Volunteer
Week, we recognize the millions of individuals who dedicate their time,
talents, and energy to making a difference in the lives of others and
reaffirm our commitment to supporting these soldiers in the armies of
compassion.
In the 1830s, a Frenchman named Alexis de Tocqueville visited our Nation
and saw that the secret to America's success was our talent for bringing
people together for the common good and our willingness to serve a cause
greater than self. Today, the great strength of America is still found
in the hearts and souls of our people. By making a commit

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ment to service, integrity, and good citizenship, our Nation's
volunteers show their gratitude for the blessings of freedom and help
build a more hopeful future for our children and grandchildren.
Since we created USA Freedom Corps in 2002, my Administration has
matched millions of willing volunteers with opportunities to serve in
their communities. These kind-hearted individuals help people who hurt,
mentor children who need love, feed those who are hungry, and shelter
those who need homes. In the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes of
2005, people throughout our great Nation opened their hearts to help the
Gulf Coast recover and rebuild. We will continue to foster the efforts
of the millions who care deeply about the future of our country and the
plight of their fellow citizens. Americans can find more information
about volunteer service opportunities in their own hometowns by visiting
the USA Freedom Corps website at volunteer.gov.
Our Nation is a force for freedom and prosperity, and our greatness is
measured by our character and how we treat one another. During National
Volunteer Week, and throughout the year, we appreciate the millions of
volunteers across America and strive to be a more compassionate and
decent society.
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 23 through April 29,
2006, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize
and celebrate the important work that volunteers do every day throughout
our country. I also encourage citizens to explore ways to help their
neighbors in need and serve a cause greater than themselves.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth 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