[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 1 (Monday, January 11, 1993)]
[Pages 7-8]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6520--National Good Teen Day, 1993

 December 23, 1992

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The passage between childhood and adulthood constitutes one of the 
most eventful stages of our life's journey. The teen years are as 
challenging as they are exciting, and at a time when young Americans are 
facing more serious pressures than ever before--from substance abuse and 
violence to sexual promiscuity and dropping out of school--it is fitting 
that we set aside this day to reaffirm the unique, God-given potential 
of every teenager.
    Today millions of American teenagers are setting examples for others 
by demonstrating love and respect for their parents, by meeting their 
responsibilities at home and in school, by participating in their places 
of worship, and by showing consideration and concern for their 
classmates and neighbors. They are also enjoying the rewards of 
voluntary service to others, thereby contributing to our communities and 
Nation as Points of Light. These teens are making the most of their 
talents and opportunities and, through their determination and hard 
work, are building the foundation for a bright future.
    It is vital that we recognize and reinforce good behavior among 
teens and instill in every child a positive sense of responsibility, 
self-control, and self-worth. The pursuit of freedom and independence is 
characteristic of adolescence. Yet, while most adolescents demand 
increasing autonomy, they also continue to need and seek their parents' 
reassurance, guidance, and support. For teenagers who are struggling to 
cope with the many physical and emotional changes of adolescence, as 
well as the external pressures that weigh so heavily on young people 
today, such encouragement and guidance are essential.

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We must provide our teens with opportunity and hope, with firm yet 
loving moral guidance and discipline, and--most important--with clear, 
consistent examples of personal responsibility and virtue.
    No child is destined to become a ``bad teen.'' Through loving, 
responsible parenting and through the support of schools, churches, and 
communities that set high standards of character and conduct for people 
of all ages, we can help every young American to recognize and attain 
his or her fullest potential. On this occasion, let us resolve to do 
exactly that.
    The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 409, has designated January 
16, 1993, as ``National Good Teen Day'' and has authorized and requested 
the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day.
    Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim January 16, 1993, as National Good Teen Day. 
I invite all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs and 
activities in honor of America's teenaged citizens.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third 
day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-
two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two 
hundred and seventeenth.
                                                   George Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:31 p.m., January 4, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on January 4, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
January 6.