Child Health Day, 2006

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8057 of September 28, 2006

Child Health Day, 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 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.