Proclamations Proc. 8004 people of all ages and abilities and promoting fitness through sports and games. Today, the Council continues to play an important role in promoting fit- ness and healthy living in America. My HealthierUS Initiative provides simple steps to help citizens live longer and better lives, and millions of young people and adults have participated in the President's Challenge awards program. The Council's website, fitness.gov, has information about these programs and other ways Americans can improve their health through physical activity. By exercising regularly and maintaining healthy eating habits, individuals can feel better and reduce their risk of chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. An ac- tive lifestyle also creates opportunities for friends and family to spend time together and enioy various forms of exercise, such as biking, hiking, and team sports. The medical benefits, increased self-confidence, and stress re- duction that can come from athletic activity help contribute to a healthier, more productive Nation. I urge children, teens, and all Americans to make time every day for exer- cise and to encourage family, friends, and neighbors to live healthier lives by participating in physical fitness activities. As President Kennedy said at the 1961 Youth Fitness Conference, "We do not want in the United States a nation of spectators. We want a nation of participants in the vigorous life." 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 May 2006 as National Phys- ical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the people of the United States to make daily exercise a priority. I encourage individuals, community orga- nizations, and schools to celebrate with physical and athletic activities and to work toward the great national goal of an active, fit America. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 8004 of April 19, 2006 National Volunteer Week, 2006 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our country, volunteers make America stronger and better by reaching out to help their neighbors in need. During National Volunteer Week, we recognize the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference in the lives of others and reaf- firm our commitment to supporting these soldiers in the armies of compas- sion. In the 1830s, a Frenchman named Alexis de Tocqueville visited our Nation and saw that the secret to America's success was our talent for bringing 41
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