[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 41 (Monday, October 13, 2003)]
[Pages 1336-1337]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7716--Child Health Day, 2003

 October 6, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

    Parents, teachers, and mentors play a critical role in helping 
children learn to make healthy choices in life. On Child Health Day, we 
emphasize our commitment to teaching our children the benefits of good 
health.
    The safety and well-being of our children is a priority shared by 
all Americans. As children grow and develop, they face many risks and 
dangers. Through the HealthierUS Initiative and the President's 
Challenge, my Administration is working to help children learn the 
benefits of a healthy body and mind.
    Across our country, parents and caregivers can play a vital part in 
creating a more healthy America by teaching children good nutrition and 
important safety procedures. We can all help young Americans improve 
their health by encouraging them to eat healthy foods and to get regular 
exercise. Good nutrition can improve students' ability to concentrate 
and help them succeed in the classroom. Families must encourage our 
young people to avoid harmful activities. Families can also protect 
their children by ensuring that they are immunized against preventable 
diseases and making sure that homes, day care centers, and schools have 
been checked for potential hazards. Parents can help prevent accidents 
and injuries by securing infants, toddlers, and small children in child 
safety seats and booster seats, checking consumer safety warnings, and 
making sure young people wear protective gear during recreational 
activities.
    By teaching our children to make safe, healthy decisions, families 
and all Americans can help our young people reach their full potential, 
become responsible leaders in their communities, and make our Nation 
better.
    The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 18, 1928, as 
amended (36 U.S.C.

[[Page 1337]]

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 6, 2003, as Child Health 
Day. I call upon families, schools, child health professionals, 
communities, and governments to help all our children discover the 
rewards of good health and wellness.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:27 a.m., October 8, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
9.