12 2 STA T .5376PROCL A M AT I O N8 3 0 8 — OCT. 16 , 2008 Proclam a ti o n830 8o fO cto be r 16,2 008 Nation a lCh a r a c t e rCo u nt sW ee k,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Thestr e ng th of o u r Na t i on is foun d in the c haracter of our citi z ens .D uring Nationa lC haracter Counts W ee k,w e reco m mit oursel v estoin - stilling strong values in our y outh and encourage all A mericans to de- velo p good character. P arents and families can teach children the timeless principles of re- spect, responsi b ility, honesty, commitment, and compassion. I n our communities, parents, mentors, clergy members, teachers, coaches, and neighbors serve as role models by dedicating their time and talents to help others. At home and abroad, members of our Armed F orces e x em- plify the true character of our Nation by bravely protecting our freedom and serving a cause greater than self. The H elping America ’ s Y outh initiative, led by First L ady Laura B ush, connects young people with caring adults and community organiza- tions that help them avoid risky behavior and achieve success. By be- coming actively involved in the lives of children, we can help our young people make the right choices and lead lives of integrity and achievement. National Character Counts Week is an opportunity for our citizens to reaffirm their responsibility to their communities and to recognize the importance of teaching strong values to our next generation of leaders. For more information on ways to set a positive example and make a lasting contribution to the future of our country, citizens can visit vol- unteer.gov. N O W, TH ER EFORE, I, G EORGE W. B US H, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 19 through October 25 ,2 0 0 8 , as National Character Counts Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, parents, students, and all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activi- ties, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. GEORGE W. BUSH
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