[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7773 of April 16, 2004


 
National Volunteer Week, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens.
Across our country, citizens are donating their time and talents to
improving lives and strengthening communities. During National Volunteer
Week, we recognize and celebrate those who serve a cause greater than
self.
This year's theme, ``Volunteers Inspire by Example,''; highlights the
role of volunteers in encouraging others to serve. Last year, more than
63 million Americans gave their time to helping in their communities,

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an increase of 4 million from the prior year. Through the dedicated
efforts of America's volunteers, we are building a culture of service,
responsibility, and compassion, particularly among our young people.
Volunteers can make a difference in many ways--by mentoring a child,
caring for the ailing and elderly, building a playground, or caring for
the environment. I created the USA Freedom Corps to help Americans find
opportunities to volunteer. As I travel around our country, I am honored
to meet citizens of all ages who volunteer through programs such as the
Citizen Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps, as well as
many other organizations. Their acts of kindness have a profound effect
on people's lives and on the future of our country. To recognize those
who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service, my
Council on Service and Civic Participation presents individuals,
families, and groups with the President's Volunteer Service Award. This
award is a tribute to those whose outstanding efforts are helping make
our country a better place.
America's volunteers set a fine example for our Nation, and I encourage
all Americans to look for a challenge in their communities and step
forward to lend a hand.
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 18 through April 24,
2004, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all Americans to recognize
and celebrate the important work that volunteers do every day across our
country. I also encourage those who have not yet answered the call to
explore ways to get involved.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7774--APR. 17, 2004