Bill Clinton

“ So we created AmeriCorps, a new national service program. Now, the real work of rebuilding America must begin.
This year, 20,000 young AmeriCorps members will provide hands-on community-based service to meet our Nation's urgent needs-in education, in public safety, in health care reform, and in the environment. In exchange for a commitment to service, AmeriCorps members will receive many benefits. They will get education awards to help them pay off student loans and finance further education. They will have an experience that will change their lives forever. ”

“ And 74 participants through Boston's City Year program provided educational, health, and environmental services that reached more than 14,200 individuals. If national service participants can have that kind of impact in 8 weeks, just imagine what they can accomplish in a year-or two-of service to their communities.
In the youth of America lies our hope for the future. Throughout our history, our young men and women have challenged us to reach for goals that seemed beyond our grasp, to reach for an understanding between all people of good will. ”

“ Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim April 19, 1994, and April 18, 1995, as National Youth Service Day. I urge every American to observe these days with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in honor of volunteers and in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to America. ”