[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 39 (Monday, October 2, 2006)]
[Pages 1687-1688]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8057--Child Health Day, 2006

 September 28, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's young people enjoy a future of hope and promise, and we 
must be committed to supporting them through each opportunity and 
challenge they face ahead. Each year on Child Health Day, we emphasize 
the importance of keeping our children safe, encouraging them to 
practice healthy habits, and educating and empowering them to avoid 
risky behavior.
    Parents are children's first teachers, and they play a crucial role 
in promoting good health and helping young people grow into responsible, 
moral, and productive adults. Violence, illegal drugs, alcohol, smoking, 
and early sexual activity are some of the top causes of disease and 
early death among our

[[Page 1688]]

youth. By being vigilant and talking with their children about the 
issues they face, parents can teach children to make the right decisions 
when they are challenged by peer pressure or tempted to participate in 
dangerous activities.
    My Administration recognizes the importance of investing in the 
health and well-being of our young people, and we remain committed to 
helping our children build healthy and successful lives. Through the 
Helping America's Youth Initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, we are 
encouraging children to make good choices, educating parents and 
communities on the importance of positive youth development, and 
supporting organizations that are dedicated to the success of America's 
children.
    Every day, parents strive to raise their children to be strong and 
successful adults. By working together, families, teachers, mentors, and 
government and community leaders can help ensure young people enjoy the 
opportunity to have long and healthy lives.
    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.
    Now Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 2, 2006, as Child Health 
Day. I call upon families, schools, child health professionals, faith-
based and community organizations, and State and local governments to 
reach out to our Nation's young people, encourage them to avoid 
dangerous behavior, and help make the right choices to achieve their 
dreams.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth 
day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 3, 
2006]

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