[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 42 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Page 2049]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6939--National Children's Day, 1996

October 11, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Our Nation benefits when every American child is truly valued and 
cherished. We have no greater responsibility or hope for our future than 
our children, and the promise of a better tomorrow depends upon the 
love, support, education, and encouragement that we give to each of 
them. It is up to all of us--parents and families, schools, churches, 
and community organizations--to join in the critical endeavor of putting 
the needs of our children first. Only when we reaffirm our commitment to 
our children's well-being can we truly say that we are prepared for the 
challenges that await us in the next century.
    America is a country of many blessings--a rich land, a thriving 
democracy, a diverse and determined people. Our culture is built on 
faith in freedom, and opportunity, and on the spirit of community. In a 
Nation of such infinite promise, too many of our children face great 
obstacles in reaching their full potential, and it is imperative that we 
not turn our backs on them.
    Because safety, health, a clean environment, quality education, and 
economic security are the keys to a brighter future, they are necessary 
investments in the healthy growth and development of our children. 
Through measures such as expanding Head Start and child care, preserving 
Medicaid, enhancing child protection, protecting the environment, and 
increasing educational opportunity for all students, my Administration 
has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that every child has the 
tools to become a productive citizen.
    As we work together in a spirit of community, let us seek to instill 
confidence, hope, pride, and self-esteem in our young people. Because 
today's children are tomorrow's leaders, educators, and parents, all of 
us--adults and children--forever will benefit from this commitment.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, 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 October 
13, 1996, as National Children's Day. I urge all Americans to express 
their love and appreciation, not only on this day but also on all days, 
for their children and all of the children of this Nation. I invite 
Federal officials, State and local governments, and particularly the 
American family, to join in observing this day with appropriate 
ceremonies and activities to honor our Nation's children.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:33 a.m., October 15, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 12, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 16.