WASHINGTON, D.C.- Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the USA Freedom Corps Desiree Sayle delivered the keynote address at the 2005 Congressional Award Gold Medal Ceremony, where 164 of the 242 award recipients were in attendance.

“The values of duty, responsibility and service - all of which are exemplified by today’s medal recipients - are also at the heart of President Bush’s Call to Service,” said Sayle. “Each of the 242 award winners embody the idea that we are to be citizens, not spectators. I applaud every young adult being honored for their willingness to strengthen our nation through their service.”

The Congressional Award, established by Congress in 1979, was created to promote and recognize achievement, initiative and service in America’s youth. The Award offers young people, ages 14 to 23, the opportunity to set challenging goals and achieve them. Along the way, they serve their communities and learn about responsibility, citizenship, and the ability to plan and organize. There are six levels of Award-Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. To earn a Congressional Award, participants set and achieve individual goals in four program areas: voluntary public service; personal development; physical fitness; and expeditions.

In his January 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on every American to dedicate two years or 4,000 hours over the course of their lives to volunteer service. To help more Americans engage in volunteer service, he created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House charged with strengthening and expanding volunteer service. Americans are responding to the President’s Call to Service. Studies show that approximately 5 million more Americans are volunteering today than just three years ago. Go to www.usafreedomcorps.gov or call 1-877-USA-CORPS to find an existing volunteer service opportunity in your area or to find more information about service programs. USA Freedom Corps is also highlighting youth volunteer service. Visit www.usafreedomcorpskids.gov for ideas designed to show how America's youth can make a difference.

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