[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 40 (Monday, October 8, 2001)]
[Pages 1402-1403]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7476--Child Health Day, 2001

October 1, 2001

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Many of us fondly remember the joys and challenges of childhood and 
appreciate the endless sacrifices that our families made to love, 
protect, and encourage us as we grew into adulthood. On Child Health 
Day, we take time as parents and concerned citizens to assess the health 
and well-being of our children and to reaffirm our commitment to nurture 
and care for them in the best way possible.
    To secure the strength and continued growth of our great Nation, we 
must work to provide all of our children with the opportunities and 
tools they must have to succeed. From quality health care and safe 
living environments to emotional support and timely encouragement, our 
children need and deserve our utmost attention.
    In light of the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we 
must redouble our efforts to ensure that our children feel safe. We must 
listen carefully to them and help them express and work through feelings 
of fear, confusion, and sorrow. And, most importantly, we must let them 
know that they are loved. Children who feel loved and supported can 
better reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.
    As parents, teachers, and neighbors, we must be aware of, and work 
to prevent, the physical, emotional, and psychological threats that 
potentially endanger our children. Parents must be vigilant in ensuring 
that their children are immunized against preventable diseases. They 
should check their homes for cleaning products, gases, and other 
hazards, including lead-based paint, radon, carbon monoxide, and 
allergens that may cause chronic illnesses, respiratory disorders, and 
sometimes death. Children should be taught to be wary of strangers who 
approach them and to seek the help of someone they trust when faced with 
uncomfortable situations. We also must use innovative teaching methods 
to encourage our children to develop positive habits such as regular 
exercise, good nutrition, abstinence from drugs, alcohol, and 
inappropriate sexual behavior, and good personal hygiene.
    Our steadfast commitment to the health and welfare of our children 
is especially important for those who have special health care needs. 
Children who suffer from chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, 
and emotional conditions require specialized services in their 
communities. I encourage parents and caretakers to recognize these 
health problems, to obtain specialized care as necessary, and to monitor 
their children's conditions closely in order to give them every 
advantage toward leading a successful, fulfilling life.
    My Administration is strongly committed to supporting families and 
children in need and to improving our education system so that no child 
is left behind. Let us work together as individuals, families, 
communities, and Americans to ensure that the health of our children 
always remains a national priority. The Congress, by a joint resolution 
approved May 18, 1928, as amended (U.S.C. 105), has called for the 
designation of the first Monday in October as ``Child Health Day'' and 
has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of 
this day.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 1, 2001, as Child Health 
Day. On this day, and on every day throughout the year, I call upon 
families, schools, child health professionals, communities, and 
governments to dedicate themselves to fostering the healthy development 
and well-being of all our children--especially those with special health 
care needs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

[[Page 1403]]

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 3, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
4.