Proc. 7613 Title 3--The President of character to make the right choices. To help them reach their full poten- tial and live with integrity and pride, we must teach our children to be kind, responsible, honest, and self-disciplined. These important values are first learned in the family, but all of our citizens have an obligation to sup- port parents in the character education of our children. Our schools play a crucial role in teaching the skills, knowledge, and moral values that will help our children succeed. As Martin Luther King, Jr., stat- ed, "... intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education." By guiding children to understand universal values such as respect, tolerance, compassion, and commitment to family and community, our schools are working to achieve this goal. My Administration is committed to promoting character by encouraging public service and civic awareness. The USA Freedom Corps is helping citizens discover volunteer opportunities in their communities and spread- ing the message that everyone can do something to care for their neighbors in need. This past June, we convened the White House Conference on Character and Community, which showcased programs from around the country that are proving that sound values can be effectively taught. By affirming the importance of good character in our society and encour- aging all people to lead lives of virtuous purpose, we can prepare our Na- tion, and especially our Nation's children, for the challenges and opportu- nities that lie ahead. Strengthening our national character will help secure greater opportunity, prosperity, and hope 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 20 through October 26, 2002, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon all public offi- cials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to ob- serve this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7613 of October 18, 2002 National Forest Products Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's forests are one of our greatest natural resources. They offer ma- jestic beauty and fabulous recreational opportunities for all Americans to enjoy. They also are an important source of materials that help our Nation's economy to grow and flourish. By observing National Forest Products Week, we recognize the countless ways in which forests enrich our lives, and we renew our commitment to preserving these natural assets for future generations. 154
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