118 STAT. 4122 PROCLAMATION 7774—APR. 17, 2004 an increase of 4 million from the prior year. Through the dedicated ef- forts of America’s volunteers, we are building a culture of service, re- sponsibility, and compassion, particularly among our young people. Volunteers can make a difference in many ways—by mentoring a child, caring for the ailing and elderly, building a playground, or caring for the environment. I created the USA Freedom Corps to help Americans find opportunities to volunteer. As I travel around our country, I am honored to meet citizens of all ages who volunteer through programs such as the Citizen Corps, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps, as well as many other organizations. Their acts of kindness have a profound effect on people’s lives and on the future of our country. To recognize those who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service, my Council on Service and Civic Participation pre- sents individuals, families, and groups with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award is a tribute to those whose outstanding ef- forts are helping make our country a better place. America’s volunteers set a fine example for our Nation, and I encour- age all Americans to look for a challenge in their communities and step forward to lend a hand. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 April 18 through April 24, 2004, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all Americans to recognize and celebrate the important work that volun- teers do every day across our country. I also encourage those who have not yet answered the call to explore ways to get involved. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7774 of April 17, 2004 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation We have made significant advances in reducing crime in our commu- nities. As we continue to work to prevent crime, we also have a duty to help victims as they cope with the trauma of crimes committed against them. Each year during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we acknowledge the suffering endured by crime victims, and we honor those who bring hope and comfort to victims and their families. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA), landmark legislation that sustains thou- sands of local victim assistance programs across the country. Estab- lished by VOCA, the Crime Victims Fund provides crucial assistance for victims and their families, including counseling, shelter, courtroom advocacy, and help with expenses. In recent years, VOCA has begun VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4
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