National Children's Day, 1995

Proclamation 6833 of October 6, 1995

National Children's Day, 1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

All who have welcomed a child to the world can
appreciate the sentiments of Ralph Waldo Emerson who
wrote, ``We find a delight in the beauty and happiness
of children, that makes the heart too big for the
body.'' Worthy of our deepest love and this Nation's
most profound concern, children represent our dearest
hopes for the future. We must ensure that they receive
the care, protection, and guidance each child so richly
deserves.

Millions of American children are fortunate to grow up
in stable, affectionate families where they enjoy
loving support. Yet far too many children lack this
essential foundation, and countless young people suffer
the terrible effects of hunger, poverty, neglect, and
abuse. Today's families are plagued with problems that
hinder their ability to tend to their children's well-
being. Drug and alcohol addiction, physical and
emotional violence, stress, and economic hardship all
take a devastating toll.

Every one of us must take responsibility for reversing
these alarming trends and for ensuring that all of our
children have the opportunity to become vital,
productive citizens. By getting involved now, we can
reinforce the efforts of schools, churches,
communities, and neighborhood organizations to
strengthen families and to provide security and
structure in our children's lives. Remembering that
today's children will be tomorrow's leaders, educators,
and parents, let us help them to look forward with hope
and enthusiasm for the future.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 8,
1995, as National Children's Day. I urge the American
people to express their love and appreciation for
children on this day and on every day throughout the
year. I invite Federal officials, local governments,
communities, and particularly all American families to
join together in observing this day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities that honor our Nation's
children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-five, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.