National Volunteer Week at the White House
Volunteering and natinoal service were front and center at the White House yesterday, as President Bush welcomed volunteer leaders, national service particpants, and Peace Corps volunteers to the East Room for a celebration of National Volunteer Week.
In his remarks, the President thanked America's 61 million volunteers for the vital role they play in saving lives and strengthening communities, described Administration initiatives to support volunteering including USA Freedom Corps and the PResidnt's Council on Service and Civic Participation, and urged Americans to visit volunteer.gov to find opportunities to serve. Prior to his remarks, he presented President's Volunteer Service Awards to Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini, who has led the company to commit one million hours of volunteer service by its employees for its 40th anniversary, and Deloitte CEO Barry Salzberg, who has led teh compnay to commit to providing pro-bono services worth up to $50 million for the nonprofit sector over the next three years.
In his closing remarks, the President said: "I believe strongly in the admonition, "To whom much is given, much is required." Those of you here today are living up to that noble calling. And you carry on the best traditions of American citizenship. In my first inaugural address, I said it's important to be a citizen, not a spectator. And there's no better way to be a citizen than to be a soldier in the armies of compassion, a foot soldier. And so today we commemorate your work and the work of volunteers all across teh country here at teh White House. I appreciate thelasting legacy that you've helped create in the hearts of our fellow citizens."
Click below for the President's full remarks and other information:
Remarks: President Bush Discusses National Volunteer Week Remarks: President Bush Discusses National Volunteer Week White House Fact Sheet: National Volunteer Week
Freedom Corps Press Release Ask the White House with USA Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano
