[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 4, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 33339-33340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-14230]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 107 / Wednesday, June 4, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 33339]]

                Proclamation 7683 of May 30, 2003

                
National Child's Day, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On National Child's Day, we celebrate the future of our 
                Nation and the promise of America's youth. As a Nation, 
                as parents, and as community members, we have a 
                responsibility to build a secure and nurturing society 
                so that our children have the opportunity to grow, 
                learn, work, and succeed.

                Creating an environment that instills important values, 
                builds strong character, and provides sound education 
                for our children is a vital national priority. With a 
                firm foundation, children will be better able to face 
                the challenges of the future.

                Parents are a child's first teachers, and they can be 
                the most effective instructors. One of the most helpful 
                activities parents can do with their children is read 
                with them. Children who develop a love for reading 
                expand their imaginations and cultivate a thirst for 
                learning that lasts a lifetime. By talking, listening, 
                and reading to our children, we can help them build the 
                confidence they need to succeed in life. Parents' role 
                as educators becomes even more important as schools 
                across the country prepare for summer recess. 
                Summertime is not only a time for children to relax and 
                play, it is also a time for parents to strengthen their 
                ties to their children by spending time with them and 
                helping them to broaden their experiences.

                To expand on the important work that parents do, my 
                Administration has taken significant steps to help give 
                our children greater opportunities to learn. By 
                improving our education system and encouraging early 
                reading and language skills, we give our children the 
                tools they will need to succeed in the world they will 
                inherit from us. Children also benefit from the 
                immeasurable care and support of their teachers, and 
                are inspired by the model they set.

                Outside the home and the classroom, there are many 
                adults who touch children's lives. Family, mentors, 
                neighbors, and friends can help mold America's next 
                generation through their positive examples, showing 
                children how to help those in need and encouraging them 
                to set high standards for themselves. To help instill 
                the value of volunteer service, the USA Freedom Corps, 
                through the Students in Service to America initiative, 
                is helping to create ways for young people to give back 
                to their communities. By using their time, talents, and 
                compassion to make a difference in the lives of others, 
                America's children are learning to become responsible 
                and engaged leaders in our democratic society.

                On this special day, we celebrate the possibility of 
                every boy and girl in America. In their faces, we see 
                the hope of our Nation. America is dedicated to their 
                welfare and the full development of their potential.

                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 June 1, 2003, as National 
                Child's Day. I urge parents to spend more time with 
                their children, read to them, listen to their concerns, 
                offer guidance and love, and encourage their dreams. I 
                also urge all Americans to set a positive example for 
                our children and to assist parents in setting them on 
                the path to success. And

[[Page 33340]]

                I call upon citizens to observe this day with 
                appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand three, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-14230
Filed 6-3-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P