[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 193 (Thursday, October 4, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 50527-50528]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25041]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 193 / Thursday, October 4, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 50527]]


                Proclamation 7476 of October 1, 2001

                
Child Health Day, 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Many of us fondly remember the joys and challenges of 
                childhood and appreciate the endless sacrifices that 
                our families made to love, protect, and encourage us as 
                we grew into adulthood. On Child Health Day, we take 
                time as parents and concerned citizens to assess the 
                health and well-being of our children and to reaffirm 
                our commitment to nurture and care for them in the best 
                way possible.

                To secure the strength and continued growth of our 
                great Nation, we must work to provide all of our 
                children with the opportunities and tools they must 
                have to succeed. From quality health care and safe 
                living environments to emotional support and timely 
                encouragement, our children need and deserve our utmost 
                attention.

                In light of the tragic terrorist attacks of September 
                11, 2001, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that 
                our children feel safe. We must listen carefully to 
                them and help them express and work through feelings of 
                fear, confusion, and sorrow. And, most importantly, we 
                must let them know that they are loved. Children who 
                feel loved and supported can better reach their full 
                potential and achieve their dreams.

                As parents, teachers, and neighbors, we must be aware 
                of, and work to prevent, the physical, emotional, and 
                psychological threats that potentially endanger our 
                children. Parents must be vigilant in ensuring that 
                their children are immunized against preventable 
                diseases. They should check their homes for cleaning 
                products, gases, and other hazards, including lead-
                based paint, radon, carbon monoxide, and allergens that 
                may cause chronic illnesses, respiratory disorders, and 
                sometimes death. Children should be taught to be wary 
                of strangers who approach them and to seek the help of 
                someone they trust when faced with uncomfortable 
                situations. We also must use innovative teaching 
                methods to encourage our children to develop positive 
                habits such as regular exercise, good nutrition, 
                abstinence from drugs, alcohol, and inappropriate 
                sexual behavior, and good personal hygiene.

                Our steadfast commitment to the health and welfare of 
                our children is especially important for those who have 
                special health care needs. Children who suffer from 
                chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, and 
                emotional conditions require specialized services in 
                their communities. I encourage parents and caretakers 
                to recognize these health problems, to obtain 
                specialized care as necessary, and to monitor their 
                children's conditions closely in order to give them 
                every advantage toward leading a successful, fulfilling 
                life.

                My Administration is strongly committed to supporting 
                families and children in need and to improving our 
                education system so that no child is left behind. Let 
                us work together as individuals, families, communities, 
                and Americans to ensure that the health of our children 
                always remains a national priority. The Congress, by a 
                joint resolution approved May 18, 1928, as amended 
                (U.S.C. 105), has called for the designation of the 
                first Monday in October as ``Child Health Day'' and has 
                requested the President to issue a proclamation in 
                observance of this day.

[[Page 50528]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, 
                October 1, 2001, as Child Health Day. On this day, and 
                on every day throughout the year, I call upon families, 
                schools, child health professionals, communities, and 
                governments to dedicate themselves to fostering the 
                healthy development and well-being of all our 
                children--especially those with special health care 
                needs.

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-25041
Filed 10-3-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P