For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 19, 2002
National Volunteer Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Citizen service has always been a cornerstone of our democracy.
Since our founding, Americans have stepped forward to serve the needs
of others, strengthen our communities, and defend the freedoms we
treasure.
Our country and the world continue to see the compassion, strength,
and generosity of Americans in the aftermath of the attacks of
September 11, 2001. Volunteers from across the Nation united to help
meet the needs of those harmed by the tragic attacks, volunteering
their time, their financial resources, and their kindness.
The spirit that guided our response to the attacks is still evident
in Americans of every age group and background who volunteer their time
to enhance the lives of others. These compassionate people work
through a broad range of organizations that reflect the diversity of
our country, including private charities, faith-based organizations,
schools, neighborhood groups, volunteer centers, service clubs, and
Federal service programs. The efforts of millions of Americans help
solve some of our most pressing problems and build bonds of trust among
people.
To tap further into our Nation's vast resources of compassion and
strength, I recently created the USA Freedom Corps (USAFC). And I have
called on all Americans to give at least 2 years -- or 4,000 hours --
during their lives in service to others. This service is essential to
forging a united response to overcoming the challenges that face our
Nation.
The USAFC will help unleash our armies of compassion, enhance
homeland security, provide additional service and volunteer
opportunities in our communities, and help people in America and
around the world to meet important needs. Many Americans are already
answering the call, volunteering a few hours each week or a few days
each month to aid a local school, by mentoring or tutoring a child.
Citizens are also donating their time to support a place of worship, to
offer their expertise to a neighborhood association, or to strengthen
a local service organization. Others are serving our country full time
in the military or in programs such as AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and
the Peace Corps. I urge citizens to keep a record of their service
experiences in a journal that will enable them to share them with their
children and grandchildren, inspiring new generations to engage in
community service.
The spirit exemplified by America's volunteers will help create a
culture of responsibility and caring that will inspire us to achieve
greatness as a Nation. During National Volunteer Week, I encourage all
Americans to learn more about how they can serve, to volunteer to help
those in need, and to encourage the volunteers across the country who are answering the call to
service. Americans looking for a way to serve can contact the USA
Freedom Corps web site at
www.usafreedomcorps.gov or
call, toll-free, 1-877-USA-CORPS (872-2677).
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 21 through
April 27, 2002, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all Americans to
join together to celebrate the vital work that volunteers perform every
day across our country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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