[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

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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 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.
GEORGE W. BUSH