National Children's Day, 1996

Proclamation 6939 of October 11, 1996

National Children's Day, 1996

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation benefits when every American child is truly
valued and cherished. We have no greater responsibility
or hope for our future than our children, and the
promise of a better tomorrow depends upon the love,
support, education, and encouragement that we give to
each of them. It is up to all of us--parents and
families, schools, churches, and community
organizations--to join in the critical endeavor of
putting the needs of our children first. Only when we
reaffirm our commitment to our children's well-being
can we truly say that we are prepared for the
challenges that await us in the next century.

America is a country of many blessings--a rich land, a
thriving democracy, a diverse and determined people.
Our culture is built on faith in freedom, and
opportunity, and on the spirit of community. In a
Nation of such infinite promise, too many of our
children face great obstacles in reaching their full
potential, and it is imperative that we not turn our
backs on them.

Because safety, health, a clean environment, quality
education, and economic security are the keys to a
brighter future, they are necessary investments in the
healthy growth and development of our children. Through
measures such as expanding Head Start and child care,
preserving Medicaid, enhancing child protection,
protecting the environment, and increasing educational
opportunity for all students, my Administration has
demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that every
child has the tools to become a productive citizen.

As we work together in a spirit of community, let us
seek to instill confidence, hope, pride, and self-
esteem in our young people. Because today's children
are tomorrow's leaders, educators, and parents, all of
us--adults and children--forever will benefit from this
commitment.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 October 13, 1996, as
National Children's Day. I urge all Americans to
express their love and appreciation, not only on this
day but also on all days, for their children and all of
the children of this Nation. I invite Federal
officials, State and local governments, and
particularly the American family, to join in observing
this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to
honor our Nation's children.

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