National Child's Day, 2005

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Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 7909--National Child's Day, 2005

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7909 of June 3, 2005

National Child's Day, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Children are the future of our country and America's
next generation of leaders. All of us--parents,
families, teachers, mentors, and community members--
have a responsibility to children to honor and pass
along the values that sustain a free society. By
spending time with a young person, adults can help our
Nation's youth to make the right choices. On National
Child's Day, we underscore our commitment to supporting
children and to helping them realize a bright and
hopeful future.

Family is the most important influence in a child's
life. Parents are teachers, disciplinarians, advisors,
and role models. By providing hope and stability,
parents help children to understand the consequences of
their actions and to recognize that the decisions they
make today can affect the rest of their lives. Through
initiatives that promote healthy marriages, responsible
fatherhood, and adoption and foster care programs, my
Administration is helping to ensure that more young
people have a foundation of love and support.

Teachers also make a real difference in children's
lives. America's educators help our students build
character and acquire the skills and knowledge they
need to succeed as adults. My Administration is
insisting upon accountability in our public schools. We
want every child to have an opportunity to realize the
great promise of our country.

By mentoring children and helping them to achieve their
dreams, Americans can fill their own lives with greater
purpose and help make our country a better place. Our
children benefit from a sense of community, and each of
us has the power to make a difference in a child's
life. I have introduced the Helping America's Youth
initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, so that every
child can grow up with a caring adult in his or her
life--whether that adult is a parent, a teacher, a
coach, or a mentor. I encourage all Americans to
volunteer their time and talents to benefit our
Nation's youth.

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 5, 2005, as National
Child's Day, and I call upon citizens to observe this
day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also
urge all Americans to dedicate their time and talents
toward helping our Nation's young people so that all
children may reach as far as their vision and character
can take them.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand
five, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

(Presidential Sig.)B