[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 23 (Monday, June 11, 2001)]
[Pages 844-845]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
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Proclamation 7446--National Child's Day, 2001
June 2, 2001
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
Our children, who are today dreaming big dreams and who are filled
with hope, will someday serve as leaders in government, industry,
education, and the arts. For the good of our country and its continued
progress and advancement, we must strive to give all young Americans the
best possible start in life.
Falling between Mother's Day and Father's Day, Child's Day is
celebrated this year on June 3, the first Sunday of the month. This
special occasion gives us a unique opportunity to remember the joys and
wonder of our own childhood and to reflect on how positive and healthy
experiences in one's early years significantly influence later
achievements and happiness.
All adults must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of
our Nation's most precious resource, our children. Every youngster
deserves to live in a safe, permanent, and caring family; but,
unfortunately, this is not always the case. Government cannot make
people love one another, but it can and must cultivate a climate that
helps families, as well as the individuals and groups that support them.
Our Nation must reaffirm its commitment to loving and caring for our
children. We must improve the safety of schools and neighborhoods and
mobilize faith-based and community groups to fight poverty and
addiction. Because many youngsters now grow up in single-parent homes,
we must promote responsible fatherhood, in all its aspects, including
spiritual leadership, emotional security, and financial support. We must
also help families in crisis, protect children from abuse and neglect,
and encourage adoption for children who must be removed from their
biological parents.
Our responsibility to our young people, however, extends beyond just
their physical and emotional well-being. We must also provide them with
a quality education, so that no child is left behind in our fast-paced
global economy. Adults should also encourage youngsters to always set
high goals, make right choices, and stay involved in their communities.
By doing so, boys and girls can pursue lives of meaning and fulfillment
as contributing members of society.
Every child in every neighborhood has unique gifts to offer. We must
nurture our children's dreams, help them develop their talents and
abilities, and ensure their healthy development so that they may reach
their full potential. Our success in this vital endeavor will affect the
direction of their lives and the future strength and vitality of our
Nation.
In recognition of the importance of our Nation's children, the
Senate, by Senate Resolution 90 approved May 25, 2001, has designated
June 3, 2001, as ``National Child's Day'' and has requested that the
President issue a Proclamation calling for appropriate ceremonies and
activities.
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 3, 2001, as National
Child's Day. I encourage all Americans to share in the mission of
preparing our young people for life's challenges and opportunities. By
reading to youngsters, listening to their cares and concerns, and
providing
[[Page 845]]
them with safe and loving homes, we can make a positive and lasting
contribution to their health, happiness, and well-being.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
June, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
George W. Bush
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., June 5,
2001]
Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 6.