[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8457--NOV. 20, 2009

Proclamation 8457 of November 20, 2009
National Child's Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

America's children deserve every opportunity to reach their fullest
potential, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the tools
required to grow and flourish. This includes providing our young people
with access to affordable, high-quality health care and an education
that both informs and inspires. On National Child's Day, we celebrate
the promise living within every child.
Ensuring the health and well-being of our Nation's children is one of
our highest responsibilities. I was proud to sign the reauthorization of
the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), extending health care to
millions of young Americans who were previously uninsured. When given
proper nutrition and medical care, healthy children can become
productive, healthy adults.
My Administration is also committed to giving our children the
educational support necessary for their development and future success.
That is why we announced our Race to the Top award program, which
challenges States to compete for over $4 billion in grants designed to
spur systemic reform and embrace innovative approaches to teaching and
learning in America's schools. If we are willing to come together and
embrace a spirit of common purpose, our schools will perform better and
our students will reach farther.
Across America, countless individuals selflessly provide their time and
energy in our homes, schools, and community organizations to ensure our
sons and daughters may one day realize their dreams. Today, we recommit
ourselves to the vision of our founders to give all our children a fair
chance and an equal start in life.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 22, 2009, as
National Child's Day. I call upon all citizens to observe this day with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA