[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 39 (Monday, October 6, 2008)]
[Pages 1292-1293]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8300--Child Health Day, 2008

 October 3, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Americans have a duty to promote the health and safety of our 
children. On Child Health Day, we affirm that all children are a 
precious gift, and we underscore our commitment to helping them realize 
their full potential.
    Families are the foundation of our society, and parents play the 
vital role of providing stability, guidance, and discipline so children 
can lead healthy lives. Teachers, caregivers, and mentors can also help 
teach children about the importance of making good choices. All 
Americans can help our Nation's youth become healthy and responsible 
adults by encouraging them to avoid risky behaviors such as early sexual 
activity, drugs, alcohol, and violence.
    My Administration remains dedicated to helping younger generations 
achieve their dreams by supporting programs that encourage children to 
maintain healthy and active lifestyles. The Helping America's Youth 
initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, is helping children make smart 
decisions so they can confront challenges and live longer and better 
lives. The HealthierUS initiative encourages positive habits and 
addresses public health issues facing our Nation's youth, such as 
childhood obesity. Through the President's Challenge, we are promoting 
personal

[[Page 1293]]

fitness and encouraging youth to stay active beyond the school gym. 
Through these and other efforts, we can make our country stronger by 
teaching children the importance of healthy choices.
    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 6, 2008, 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 them make the right choices to achieve 
their dreams.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
    Americans have a duty to promote the health and safety of our 
children. On Child Health Day, we affirm that all children are a 
precious gift, and we underscore our commitment to helping them realize 
their full potential.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:30 a.m., October 6, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 7.