FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, April 17, 2004
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The White House - Office of the Press Secretary
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National Volunteer Week, 2004 |
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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, 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
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