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 Proclamations Proc. 7612 tion, making our waters better suited for recreation and other pursuits and more hospitable to aquatic life. Recent studies show that we are close to achieving our goal of halting overall wetlands loss, and we are hopeful that in the near future we will begin increasing the overall function and value of our wetlands. As we look to the challenges ahead, the Clean Water Act will be an important mainstay and tool for further progress. As part of our Nation's long-term commitment to protecting our environ- ment and natural resources, we must continue to focus on cleaner air, water, and land; healthier citizens, and vibrant ecosystems. We will con- tinue to collaborate with private organizations, landowners, and all levels of government to encourage the development of new technologies and in- novative approaches to protecting our environment. Through policies and programs that recognize regional differences, employ market forces, and empower individuals to be good stewards of the earth, we can and will meet the environmental challenges of the future. 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 the year beginning October 18, 2002, as the Year of Clean Water in commemoration of the 30th anni- versary of the Clean Water Act. I call upon all Americans to observe this year with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, and to ioin in setting good examples of environmental stewardship in our daily lives. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth 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 7612 of October 18, 2002 National Character Counts Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation President Theodore Roosevelt once said that, "Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike." Dur- ing National Character Counts Week, Americans reaffirm our dedication to promoting good character and upholding the timeless virtues that make our Nation strong. Our Founding Fathers understood that our country would survive and flourish if our Nation was committed to good character and an unyielding dedication to liberty and justice for all. Throughout our history, our most honorable heroes practiced the values of hard work and honesty, commit- ment to excellence and courage, and self-discipline and perseverance. Today, as we work to preserve peace and freedom throughout the world, we are guided by a national character that respects human dignity and val- ues every life. The future success of our Nation depends on our children's ability to un- derstand the difference between right and wrong and to have the strength 153

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