[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.