Special Edition - September 12, 2008
A Message from the Director
Dear Friends,
As America reflects on the memories of September 11th and the innocent lives lost, we honored those who have sacrificed on behalf of our Nation and our freedom. We are grateful to the courageous citizens who responded with acts of compassion. And seven years later, we find hope in knowing that the American volunteer spirit remains strong.
In response to the attacks on our homeland, President Bush mobilized the armies of compassion, issuing a call for all Americans to give of themselves to their neighbors, their Nation and their world through acts of volunteer service. He launched USA Freedom Corps with a Call to Service for every American to serve 4,000 hours or two years in service to those in need and mobilized more than one million new volunteers over the years the followed. Thanks to the President's leadership, Americans are volunteering at historically high levels. A new report released this week by USA Freedom Corps, "Answering the Call to Service," details these and other accomplishments and is available at www.volunteer.gov.
Earlier this week, President Bush hosted nearly 1,800 volunteers on the South Lawn of the White House to highlight the accomplishments of his service agenda through USA Freedom Corps. By strengthening national service programs and connecting volunteers with millions of opportunities to serve in their backyards and even beyond our borders, Americans are delivering help and hope to millions in need.
During his remarks, the President renewed his Call to Service by asking Americans to commit to serve the needs of others. “Two years during a lifetime is a lot to give,” the President said. “But the truth of the matter is, citizens who do give realize that they become enriched just like those folks that they're helping.” To view the President's remarks, please click here.
Today, Mrs. Bush echoed the President's message before national leaders at the ServiceNation Summit in New York and spotlighted the successes of his service agenda. Also from the Summit, President's Council on Service and Civic Participation Chair Jean Case hosted the Ask the White House forum and discussed ways the President has helped Americans answer the call to serve. Please click here to view Mrs. Bush's remarks; click here to watch a video honoring the service of Americans; and please click here to read Jean Case's Ask the White House online chat.
Seven years after a tragedy that changed America forever, we pray for the families of the fallen and honor their legacies through acts of service that make our Nation and our world a more hopeful place. Thank you for preserving the strength of the American volunteer spirit through your work in the lives of others.
Alison Young
Special Assistant to the President
Acting Director, USA Freedom Corps
Additional Links:
| 
