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Skriven 2006-04-20 23:33:12 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0604208) for Thu, 2006 Apr 20
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National Volunteer Week, 2006
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 20, 2006

National Volunteer Week, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America




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 commitment 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

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