National Child's Day, 2014

Proclamation 9212 of November 19, 2014

National Child's Day, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In the faces of today's children we see tomorrow's
leaders and innovators. Like their parents and
grandparents before them, they have the potential to
unearth new discoveries, pioneer bold inventions, and
unlock groundbreaking solutions to longstanding
problems. Every generation has sought to reach beyond
the limits of the known world and push the boundaries
of human imagination. But to realize what we know is
possible for our daughters and sons, we must harness
their talents and abilities. On National Child's Day,
we recognize that success is built on a foundation of
opportunity, and we continue our work to build a
society where every child can seize his or her future.

Early education is one of the best investments we can
make in a child's life, and my Administration is
committed to expanding access to preschool and high-
quality early learning across America. We are investing
in programs that enhance and expand infant and toddler
care in high-need communities, and next month, we will
host the White House Summit on Early Education,
bringing together a broad coalition of partners
dedicated to ensuring girls and boys can learn and
grow, regardless of who they are or where they come
from. In districts throughout our Nation, we are
strengthening our public schools and working to make
sure every child has the opportunity to reach higher.

To succeed in the classroom and thrive in their
communities, all children deserve a healthy start in
life. That is why First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's
Move! initiative is working to make it easier for
parents and children to make healthy choices by
increasing the availability of nutritious foods and the
opportunities for physical activity. And I continue to
fight to provide the freedom and security of quality,
affordable health care to children and their families.
The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance companies
from denying coverage to children with pre-existing
conditions and requires that most health plans cover
recommended preventive services for kids without
copays, including immunizations and developmental
screenings. Families who do not have health insurance
can visit www.HealthCare.gov to find coverage that fits
their needs and their budget.

A world-class education and a robust health system are
essential pillars of a society devoted to ensuring
children can pursue their full measure of happiness--
and we all must work together to lift up the next group
of thinkers and doers. As we celebrate the limitless
potential of a generation born in an era of tremendous
possibility, let us join with parents, professionals,
and community members and renew our commitment to
supporting the dreams of all our daughters and sons.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim November 20, 2014, as
National Child's Day. I call upon all citizens to
observe this day with appropriate activities, programs,
and ceremonies, and to rededicate ourselves to creating
the bright future we want for our Nation's children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
nineteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.