Jewish Americans have played an important part in the success of the American experience. They have dedicated themselves to the challenges of building a better America; and their patriotism, hard work, and faithful commitment to community and family have enriched our culture and improved our country. Since our Nation's founding, millions of Jews have immigrated to America, embracing the promise of opportunity and tolerance that forms the heart of the American dream. Jews fled persecution, pogroms, and the horrors of deadly prejudice to begin new lives where they could worship in freedom, prosper in society, and realize their dreams in peace. They also brought with them a spirit of faith and a strong work ethic that enhanced our culture and promoted national prosperity. The Jewish community in America has helped shape our Nation's heritage and further our efforts toward building a land where all people can live free and be treated equally under the law. As entrepreneurs and public servants, scholars and philanthropists, and countless other callings, Jewish Americans have provided wisdom, energy, and leadership wherever they settled and in whatever calling they followed. During the early days of our Republic, President George Washington wrote to the Hebrew congregations of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, and Richmond, to say that "The power and goodness of the Almighty were strongly manifested in the events of the late glorious revolution: and His kind interposition in our behalf, has been no less visible in the establishment of our present equal government. In war He directed the sword, and in peace He has ruled in our councils." President Washington's message is equally applicable today, as we engage in our war against terrorism and work to establish a lasting peace in the Middle East. In celebrating Jewish Heritage Week, we reflect with joy upon the many contributions Jewish Americans have made to the arts, education, industry, science, and our very way of life. The values and traditions of Judaism have contributed greatly to our culture and history; and they have played a major role in the success of our great Nation. 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 April 14 through 21, 2002, as Jewish Heritage Week. I urge all Americans to learn about the history of Jewish Americans and to participate in activities that highlight the accomplishments of these citizens. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7542 of April 17, 2002 Death of Byron R. White By the President of the United States of America As a mark of respect for the memory of Byron R. White, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff on the day of his interment. On such day the flag shall be flown at half-staff until sunset upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions; and at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7543 of April 18, 2002 National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America Thirty years ago, advocates from some of the most crime-ridden neighborhoods of St. Louis, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., founded the Nation's first assistance programs for crime victims. These centers were established in communities where violence was common, and they were clear about their mission: to bring help, hope, and healing to those who had suffered the effects of crime. The creation of these victim-assistance programs launched a movement that brought domestic violence shelters, homicide victim support groups, and rape crisis centers to help victims in cities and towns throughout the United States. The crime victims' rights movement also brought changes in the way the criminal justice system treats and interacts with crime victims. In many cases, crime victims began to be treated with greater respect and to play an important role in criminal justice proceedings. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan assembled a task force of nine national leaders to travel the country and listen to service providers, criminal justice professionals, and victims. The Task Force's Final Report listed 68 recommendations for meeting victims' needs, including the need for a Federal constitutional amendment. The momentum generated by this report helped spur passage of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, which now supports thousands of assistance programs throughout the Nation. The Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 and other laws have given victims of Federal crimes many important rights. All 50 States have now passed victims' rights laws, and more than half the States have amended their constitutions to guarantee rights for crime victims. However, more remains to be done to secure victims' rights. I support a Federal Constitutional Amendment to protect the rights of victims of violent crime. Our Nation has come to realize the tragic toll that crime takes, and we have developed the resources to ease crime's physical, emotional, and financial impact. This support network, which was already in place on September 11, made us better prepared to deal with the unspeakable pain and tragedy inflicted by the terrorist attacks. Along with the many firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and rescue workers who responded in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, hundreds of counselors, chaplains, social workers, volunteers, and victim service providers came together for the common purpose of helping the victims, the families, and our Nation. My Administration has made the fight against crime a top priority. But when a crime does occur, I am dedicated to providing assistance and comfort to victims and to ensuring that the rights of victims are protected. At the time of their great trauma, crime victims deserve nothing less than our complete support. 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 April 21 through April 27, 2002, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I encourage every community to embrace the cause of victims' rights and services and to advance them in all sectors of our society. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7544 of April 19, 2002 National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation's organ and tissue donor program is an important part of our healthcare system. Through the organ donor program, Americans can provide hope to those who face difficult and often life-threatening conditions caused by the failure of vital organs. The selfless generosity of organ and tissue donors helps meet a significant and growing need in our country. Statistics show that approximately 60 Americans receive a transplant every day. However, at the same time, another 15 people die because not enough organs are available. There are more than 79,500 patients waiting for an organ transplant, and another person joins the waiting list every 13 minutes. My Administration is committed to expanding the organ and tissue program to close this gap. Last year, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tommy Thompson assumed leadership of this effort through the "Gift of Life Donation Initiative." This Initiative involves collaboration among businesses and employees to make organ donation information more available. It also includes the development of a national forum on donor registries, a new model donor card, and increased cooperation between HHS, other Federal agencies, and State governments to promote donor awareness. Every day, Americans across our Nation provide help for those in need in countless ways. During this week, we renew our efforts to foster this compassion and to help save lives by promoting organ and tissue donation. 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 April 21 through April 27, 2002, as National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. I call upon all medical professionals, educators, volunteers, government agencies, and private organizations to join me in raising awareness of the need for organ donors in communities throughout our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7545 of April 19, 2002 National Volunteer Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America Citizen service has always been a cornerstone of our democracy. Since our founding, Americans have stepped forward to serve the needs of others, strengthen our communities, and defend the freedoms we treas ure. Our country and the world continue to see the compassion, strength, and generosity of Americans in the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Volunteers from across the Nation united to help meet the needs of those harmed by the tragic attacks, volunteering their time, their financial resources, and their kindness. The spirit that guided our response to the attacks is still evident in Americans of every age group and background who volunteer their time to enhance the lives of others. These compassionate people work through a broad range of organizations that reflect the diversity of our country, including private charities, faith-based organizations, schools, neighborhood groups, volunteer centers, service clubs, and Federal service programs. The efforts of millions of Americans help solve some of our most pressing problems and build bonds of trust among people. To tap further into our Nation's vast resources of compassion and strength, I recently created the USA Freedom Corps (USAFC). And I have called on all Americans to give at least 2 years-or 4,000 hours— during their lives in service to others. This service is essential to forging a united response to overcoming the challenges that face our Nation. The USAFC will help unleash our armies of compassion, enhance homeland security, provide additional service and volunteer opportunities in our communities, and help people in America and around the world to meet important needs. Many Americans are already answering the call, volunteering a few hours each week or a few days each month to aid a local school, by mentoring or tutoring a child. Citizens are also donating their time to support a place of worship, to offer their expertise to a neighborhood association, or to strengthen a local service organization. Others are serving our country full time in the military or in programs such as AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps. I urge citizens to keep a record of their service experiences in a journal that will enable them to share them with their children and grand children, inspiring new generations to engage in community service. The spirit exemplified by America's volunteers will help create a culture of responsibility and caring that will inspire us to achieve greatness as a Nation. During National Volunteer Week, I encourage all Americans to learn more about how they can serve, to volunteer to help those in need, and to encourage the volunteers across the country who are answering the call to service. Americans looking for a way to serve can contact the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or call, toll-free, 1-877-USA-CORPS (872– 2677). 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 April 21 through April 27, 2002, as National Volunteer Week. I call on all Americans to join together to celebrate the vital work that volunteers perform every day across our country. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH |