National Child's Day, 2003

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7683 of May 30, 2003

National Child's Day, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On National Child's Day, we celebrate the future of our
Nation and the promise of America's youth. As a Nation,
as parents, and as community members, we have a
responsibility to build a secure and nurturing society
so that our children have the opportunity to grow,
learn, work, and succeed.

Creating an environment that instills important values,
builds strong character, and provides sound education
for our children is a vital national priority. With a
firm foundation, children will be better able to face
the challenges of the future.

Parents are a child's first teachers, and they can be
the most effective instructors. One of the most helpful
activities parents can do with their children is read
with them. Children who develop a love for reading
expand their imaginations and cultivate a thirst for
learning that lasts a lifetime. By talking, listening,
and reading to our children, we can help them build the
confidence they need to succeed in life. Parents' role
as educators becomes even more important as schools
across the country prepare for summer recess.
Summertime is not only a time for children to relax and
play, it is also a time for parents to strengthen their
ties to their children by spending time with them and
helping them to broaden their experiences.

To expand on the important work that parents do, my
Administration has taken significant steps to help give
our children greater opportunities to learn. By
improving our education system and encouraging early
reading and language skills, we give our children the
tools they will need to succeed in the world they will
inherit from us. Children also benefit from the
immeasurable care and support of their teachers, and
are inspired by the model they set.

Outside the home and the classroom, there are many
adults who touch children's lives. Family, mentors,
neighbors, and friends can help mold America's next
generation through their positive examples, showing
children how to help those in need and encouraging them
to set high standards for themselves. To help instill
the value of volunteer service, the USA Freedom Corps,
through the Students in Service to America initiative,
is helping to create ways for young people to give back
to their communities. By using their time, talents, and
compassion to make a difference in the lives of others,
America's children are learning to become responsible
and engaged leaders in our democratic society.

On this special day, we celebrate the possibility of
every boy and girl in America. In their faces, we see
the hope of our Nation. America is dedicated to their
welfare and the full development of their potential.

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 1, 2003, as National
Child's Day. I urge parents to spend more time with
their children, read to them, listen to their concerns,
offer guidance and love, and encourage their dreams. I
also urge all Americans to set a positive example for
our children and to assist parents in setting them on
the path to success. And

I call upon citizens to observe this day with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B