[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 22 (Monday, June 9, 2008)]
[Pages 769-770]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8267--National Child's Day, 2008

 May 30, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America has a duty to provide its children with the support and 
skills they need to become the next generation of responsible leaders. 
On National Child's Day, we underscore the importance of fostering the 
love, encouragement, and protection that empowers our children to become 
happy and successful adults.
    Children are a precious gift who need the love and support of family 
and friends to lead lives rich in promise and fulfillment. Parents are 
the most vital part of a child's life, providing them with the guidance 
and discipline to make the right choices and understand the consequences 
of their actions. Family, teachers, and others inspire our youth to use 
their talents and to become confident and caring adults. Religious and 
community leaders also have a role in teaching values and encouraging 
children to love their neighbors just as they would like to be loved 
themselves.

[[Page 770]]

Together, we can all help our children be prepared to meet life's 
challenges and realize the great promise of our country.
    My Administration continues to support programs that help prepare 
America's youth for the opportunities ahead. The No Child Left Behind 
Act requires that every child have access to a quality education. We 
have made significant progress toward that goal across the country, with 
students achieving record math and reading scores. The America COMPETES 
Act, which was built upon my American Competitiveness Initiative, helped 
strengthen our goal of staying competitive within the global economy. 
The Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, 
encourages adults to work to help our young people reach their full 
potential.
    On National Child's Day and throughout the year, we honor the boys 
and girls of America and show our gratitude to those who work to support 
them. This day is a reminder to us all that our commitment to children 
helps make our country a better place.
    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 1, 2008, as National 
Child's Day. I call upon all our citizens to celebrate National Child's 
Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also urge all 
Americans to dedicate time and energy to educating our youth and 
providing them with a safe and caring environment.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:59 a.m., June 3, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 4. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.