Presidential Documents

30287

Federal Register

Vol. 66, No. 109

Wednesday, June 6, 2001

Title 3—

The President

Proclamation 7446 of June 2, 2001

National Child’s Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our children, who are today dreaming big dreams and who are filled with

hope, will someday serve as leaders in government, industry, education,

and the arts. For the good of our country and its continued progress and

advancement, we must strive to give all young Americans the best possible

start in life.

Falling between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Child’s Day is celebrated

this year on June 3, the first Sunday of the month. This special occasion

gives us a unique opportunity to remember the joys and wonder of our

own childhood and to reflect on how positive and healthy experiences

in one’s early years significantly influence later achievements and happiness.

All adults must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our

Nation’s most precious resource, our children. Every youngster deserves

to live in a safe, permanent, and caring family; but, unfortunately, this

is not always the case. Government cannot make people love one another,

but it can and must cultivate a climate that helps families, as well as

the individuals and groups that support them.

Our Nation must reaffirm its commitment to loving and caring for our

children. We must improve the safety of schools and neighborhoods and

mobilize faith-based and community groups to fight poverty and addiction.

Because many youngsters now grow up in single-parent homes, we must

promote responsible fatherhood, in all its aspects, including spiritual leadership, emotional security, and financial support. We must also help families

in crisis, protect children from abuse and neglect, and encourage adoption

for children who must be removed from their biological parents.

Our responsibility to our young people, however, extends beyond just their

physical and emotional well-being. We must also provide them with a

quality education, so that no child is left behind in our fast-paced global

economy. Adults should also encourage youngsters to always set high goals,

make right choices, and stay involved in their communities. By doing so,

boys and girls can pursue lives of meaning and fulfillment as contributing

members of society.

Every child in every neighborhood has unique gifts to offer. We must nurture

our children’s dreams, help them develop their talents and abilities, and

ensure their healthy development so that they may reach their full potential.

Our success in this vital endeavor will affect the direction of their lives

and the future strength and vitality of our Nation.

In recognition of the importance of our Nation’s children, the Senate, by

Senate Resolution 90 approved May 25, 2001, has designated June 3, 2001,

as ‘‘National Child’s Day’’ and has requested that the President issue a

Proclamation calling for appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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 3, 2001, as National

Child’s Day. I encourage all Americans to share in the mission of preparing
30288 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 109 / Wednesday, June 6, 2001 / Presidential Documents

our young people for life’s challenges and opportunities. By reading to

youngsters, listening to their cares and concerns, and providing them with

safe and loving homes, we can make a positive and lasting contribution

to their health, happiness, and well-being.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day

of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence

of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

Billing code 3195

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