Text 771, 69 rader
Skriven 2005-04-14 23:32:58 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0504141) for Thu, 2005 Apr 14
====================================================
===========================================================================
National Volunteer Week, 2005
===========================================================================

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 14, 2005

National Volunteer Week, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America




The great strength of our Nation is found in the hearts and souls of the
American people. During National Volunteer Week, we recognize the millions
of individuals who touch our lives as soldiers in America's armies of
compassion. Our Nation's volunteers inspire us with their dedication,
commitment, and efforts to build a more hopeful country for our citizens.

Americans take pride in the example of citizens who give their time and
energy to care for the most vulnerable among us. In the past year, millions
of volunteers have mentored children, provided shelter for the homeless,
prepared for and responded to disasters, cared for the sick and elderly,
fed the hungry, and performed other acts of kindness and community service.
These selfless deeds have contributed to a culture of compassion and taught
young people the importance of giving back to their communities.

My Administration is encouraging volunteer service through the USA Freedom
Corps, and we have seen tremendous growth in the number of volunteers. Last
year, over 64 million Americans offered their time as volunteers, an
increase of nearly 5 million people since 2002. In the aftermath of the
Indian Ocean tsunami, the world witnessed the compassion of our Nation as
millions of our citizens donated generously to help the many people
affected by the disaster. By participating in public service programs such
as the Peace Corps, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and grassroots efforts such
as Citizen Corps, our citizens are helping others. My Administration also
supports faith based and community groups whose volunteers bring hope and
healing to those in need.

During National Volunteer Week, we thank those who volunteer to serve a
cause greater than self, and I commend the more than 200,000 Americans who
have earned the Volunteer Service Award from my Council on Service and
Civic Participation. I urge all those who wish to get involved to visit the
USA Freedom Corps website at www.usafreedomcorps.gov. By giving back to our
communities, we can change America for the better one heart and one soul at
a time.

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 17 through April 23,
2005, as National Volunteer Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize
and celebrate the important work that volunteers do every day across our
country. I also encourage citizens to explore ways to help their neighbors
and become involved in their communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #

===========================================================================
Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/04/20050414-1.html

 * Origin: (1:3634/12)