[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 40 (Monday, October 9, 1995)]
[Page 1785]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6833--National Children's Day, 1995

October 6, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    All who have welcomed a child to the world can appreciate the 
sentiments of Ralph Waldo Emerson who wrote, ``We find a delight in the 
beauty and happiness of children, that makes the heart too big for the 
body.'' Worthy of our deepest love and this Nation's most profound 
concern, children represent our dearest hopes for the future. We must 
ensure that they receive the care, protection, and guidance each child 
so richly deserves.
    Millions of American children are fortunate to grow up in stable, 
affectionate families where they enjoy loving support. Yet far too many 
children lack this essential foundation, and countless young people 
suffer the terrible effects of hunger, poverty, neglect, and abuse. 
Today's families are plagued with problems that hinder their ability to 
tend to their children's well-being. Drug and alcohol addiction, 
physical and emotional violence, stress, and economic hardship all take 
a devastating toll.
    Every one of us must take responsibility for reversing these 
alarming trends and for ensuring that all of our children have the 
opportunity to become vital, productive citizens. By getting involved 
now, we can reinforce the efforts of schools, churches, communities, and 
neighborhood organizations to strengthen families and to provide 
security and structure in our children's lives. Remembering that today's 
children will be tomorrow's leaders, educators, and parents, let us help 
them to look forward with hope and enthusiasm for the future.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 8, 1995, as National 
Children's Day. I urge the American people to express their love and 
appreciation for children on this day and on every day throughout the 
year. I invite Federal officials, local governments, communities, and 
particularly all American families to join together in observing this 
day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor our Nation's 
children.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11 a.m., October 10, 
1995]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 11.