Child Health Day, 2008

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 8300--Child Health Day, 2008

Proclamation 8301--German-American Day, 2008

Presidential Determination No. 2008-29 of September 30, 2008--Fiscal
Year 2009 Refugee Admissions Numbers and Authorizations of In-Country
Refugee Status

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8300 of October 3, 2008

Child Health Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans have a duty to promote the health and safety
of our children. On Child Health Day, we affirm that
all children are a precious gift, and we underscore our
commitment to helping them realize their full
potential.

Families are the foundation of our society, and parents
play the vital role of providing stability, guidance,
and discipline so children can lead healthy lives.
Teachers, caregivers, and mentors can also help teach
children about the importance of making good choices.
All Americans can help our Nation's youth become
healthy and responsible adults by encouraging them to
avoid risky behaviors such as early sexual activity,
drugs, alcohol, and violence.

My Administration remains dedicated to helping younger
generations achieve their dreams by supporting programs
that encourage children to maintain healthy and active
lifestyles. The Helping America';s Youth initiative,
led by First Lady Laura Bush, is helping children make
smart decisions so they can confront challenges and
live longer and better lives. The HealthierUS
initiative encourages positive habits and addresses
public health issues facing our Nation's youth, such as
childhood obesity. Through the President's Challenge,
we are promoting personal fitness and encouraging youth
to stay active beyond the school gym. Through these and
other efforts, we can make our country stronger by
teaching children the importance of healthy choices.

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 6, 2008, 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
them make the right choices to achieve their dreams.

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