[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 201 (Wednesday, October 16, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 54073-54074]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26772]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 201 / Wednesday, October 16, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 54073]]


                Proclamation 6939 of October 11, 1996

                
National Children's Day, 1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Our Nation benefits when every American child is truly 
                valued and cherished. We have no greater responsibility 
                or hope for our future than our children, and the 
                promise of a better tomorrow depends upon the love, 
                support, education, and encouragement that we give to 
                each of them. It is up to all of us--parents and 
                families, schools, churches, and community 
                organizations--to join in the critical endeavor of 
                putting the needs of our children first. Only when we 
                reaffirm our commitment to our children's well-being 
                can we truly say that we are prepared for the 
                challenges that await us in the next century.

                America is a country of many blessings--a rich land, a 
                thriving democracy, a diverse and determined people. 
                Our culture is built on faith in freedom, and 
                opportunity, and on the spirit of community. In a 
                Nation of such infinite promise, too many of our 
                children face great obstacles in reaching their full 
                potential, and it is imperative that we not turn our 
                backs on them.

                Because safety, health, a clean environment, quality 
                education, and economic security are the keys to a 
                brighter future, they are necessary investments in the 
                healthy growth and development of our children. Through 
                measures such as expanding Head Start and child care, 
                preserving Medicaid, enhancing child protection, 
                protecting the environment, and increasing educational 
                opportunity for all students, my Administration has 
                demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that every 
                child has the tools to become a productive citizen.

                As we work together in a spirit of community, let us 
                seek to instill confidence, hope, pride, and self-
                esteem in our young people. Because today's children 
                are tomorrow's leaders, educators, and parents, all of 
                us--adults and children--forever will benefit from this 
                commitment.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 October 13, 1996, as 
                National Children's Day. I urge all Americans to 
                express their love and appreciation, not only on this 
                day but also on all days, for their children and all of 
                the children of this Nation. I invite Federal 
                officials, State and local governments, and 
                particularly the American family, to join in observing 
                this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to 
                honor our Nation's children.

[[Page 54074]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and twenty-first.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-26772
Filed 10-15-96; 11:33 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P