"The whole history of the progress of human liberty shows that all concessions yet made to her august claims have been born of earnest struggle. If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters."
--Frederick Douglass

Presidential Documents

[[Page 60615]]

Proclamation 7724 of October 18, 2003

National Character Counts Week, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Many of our society's most cherished values, such as
equal treatment for fellow citizens and respect for the
law, depend in practice on individual character. During
National Character Counts Week, we recognize the
importance that good character has played in our
history, celebrate the great character exhibited by our
citizens, and reaffirm our commitment to promoting the
values that will ensure a better future for all.

Throughout history, we see numerous examples of
character in action. Great social reformers like
Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Susan B.
Anthony demonstrated courage and resolve when they
stood firm in the face of injustice and acted to right
societal wrongs. Similarly, leaders like Abraham
Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, were able to guide our
Nation through critical periods because of their strong
personal convictions and sense of moral clarity. Today,
these and other heroes of history inspire us to pursue
virtue and character in our own lives.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we
have seen the great character of our Nation in the
hearts and souls of our citizens and soldiers, and in
countless acts of kindness, generosity, and sacrifice.
To sustain this spirit and continue to improve our
society, we must promote a culture of service,
citizenship, and responsibility in our Nation. Through
the USA Freedom Corps, my Administration is offering
opportunities for citizens to give back to their
communities, helping millions of Americans meet vital
needs as active and engaged citizens in our democratic
society.

The development of character and citizenship has always
been a primary goal of America's schools. Today, it is
more important than ever that we educate our young
people to be knowledgeable, compassionate, and involved
citizens of a free society. Since 2002, 47 State
education agencies and local school districts have
received grants to implement character education
programs. These grants help schools work with students,
parents, and community organizations to effectively
teach universal values such as respect, honesty, and
tolerance.

This week, I urge all Americans to join me in promoting
good character in America. By teaching these values to
our children and living by these values in our own
lives, we can build a future of hope, compassion, and
opportunity for all.

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 October 19 through October
25, 2003, as National Character Counts Week. I call
upon public officials, educators, librarians, parents,
students, and all the people of the United States to
observe this week with appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs.

[[Page 60616]]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-26831
Filed 10-21-03; 9:20 am]

Billing code 3195-01-P