[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 40 (Monday, October 10, 2005)]
[Pages 1485-1486]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7939--Child Health Day, 2005

 September 30, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Children are a precious gift, and we have a responsibility to help 
them realize a hopeful and promising future. On Child Health Day, we 
underscore the importance of healthy and active lifestyles for our 
Nation's young people, and we reaffirm our commitment to helping them 
use their gifts to work toward a successful future.
    We have high aspirations for all our Nation's children. Parents play 
the central role in ensuring the health and well-being of their children 
and in creating a safe and nurturing environment. Schools, communities, 
and government leaders can support the work of parents by helping to 
build a society based on the fundamental values of respect, honesty, 
self-restraint, fairness, and compassion. We must all continue to 
promote a culture of responsibility in which families and communities 
teach young people to understand that their decisions affect their 
health now and in the future.
    My Administration remains committed to giving parents, teachers, 
mentors, and communities the resources they need to help children avoid 
drugs, alcohol, violence, early sexual activity, and other dangerous 
behaviors. Through the Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First 
Lady Laura Bush, we are helping children to overcome the challenges they 
may face so they can lead healthy lives and realize their full 
potential.
    Young people are America's future leaders, and we can all work to 
instill the values that sustain a free society. On this day and 
throughout the year, I urge our citizens to give their time and talents 
to benefit our Nation's youth.
    The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 18, 1928, as 
amended (36 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.

[[Page 1486]]

     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 3, 2005, as Child Health 
Day. I call upon families, schools, child health professionals, faith-
based and community organizations, 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 thirtieth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.

                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:56 a.m., October 4, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
5. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.