Proclamations Proc. 8106 Americans can help prevent fraud and identity theft by becoming informed consumers. The Federal Trade Commission suggests that individuals safe- guard personal information such as Social Security and account numbers, closely monitor their financial accounts, and report any problems or sus- picious activity. When doing business through the Internet, it is especially important to protect personal data with appropriate software and common- sense security practices. Consumers and businesses can find resources on how to avoid identity theft and fraud by visiting the Federal Government's consumer protection website, www.consumer.gov. My Administration is committed to protecting consumers from fraud, de- ception, and unfair business practices. In May 2006, I signed an Executive Order creating the Nation's first Identity Theft Task Force, comprised of the heads of executive departments and agencies. This Task Force is imple- menting a comprehensive strategy to prevent identity theft, prosecute those who commit fraud, and help victims. Through these and other efforts, we are helping to ensure that consumers have the tools they need to secure their personal information, monitor their financial accounts, maintain their privacy, and make responsible decisions to guard against fraud. Consumer fraud takes advantage of the trust and integrity that characterizes our country's marketplace. By remaining vigilant and defending against fraud, Americans can protect their financial security and help our Nation's economy remain strong. 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 February 4 through February 10, 2007, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon Government officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates to provide citizens with information about how they can prevent fraud and identity theft, and I en- courage all citizens to be responsible consumers and take an active role in protecting their personal information. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 8106 of February 16, 2007 275th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation Two hundred seventy-five years after the birth of George Washington, we honor the life and legacy of a surveyor from Virginia who became Com- mander of the Continental Army, a major force at the Constitutional Con- vention, and the first President of the United States of America. Remembered by the Congress as "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen," George Washington dedicated his life to the success of America. During the Revolutionary War, Washington's small 7
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