National Child's Day, 2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7446 of June 2, 2001

National Child's Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our children, who are today dreaming big dreams and who
are filled with hope, will someday serve as leaders in
government, industry, education, and the arts. For the
good of our country and its continued progress and
advancement, we must strive to give all young Americans
the best possible start in life.

Falling between Mother's Day and Father's Day, Child's
Day is celebrated this year on June 3, the first Sunday
of the month. This special occasion gives us a unique
opportunity to remember the joys and wonder of our own
childhood and to reflect on how positive and healthy
experiences in one's early years significantly
influence later achievements and happiness.

All adults must work together to ensure the safety and
well-being of our Nation's most precious resource, our
children. Every youngster deserves to live in a safe,
permanent, and caring family; but, unfortunately, this
is not always the case. Government cannot make people
love one another, but it can and must cultivate a
climate that helps families, as well as the individuals
and groups that support them.

Our Nation must reaffirm its commitment to loving and
caring for our children. We must improve the safety of
schools and neighborhoods and mobilize faith-based and
community groups to fight poverty and addiction.
Because many youngsters now grow up in single-parent
homes, we must promote responsible fatherhood, in all
its aspects, including spiritual leadership, emotional
security, and financial support. We must also help
families in crisis, protect children from abuse and
neglect, and encourage adoption for children who must
be removed from their biological parents.

Our responsibility to our young people, however,
extends beyond just their physical and emotional well-
being. We must also provide them with a quality
education, so that no child is left behind in our fast-
paced global economy. Adults should also encourage
youngsters to always set high goals, make right
choices, and stay involved in their communities. By
doing so, boys and girls can pursue lives of meaning
and fulfillment as contributing members of society.

Every child in every neighborhood has unique gifts to
offer. We must nurture our children's dreams, help them
develop their talents and abilities, and ensure their
healthy development so that they may reach their full
potential. Our success in this vital endeavor will
affect the direction of their lives and the future
strength and vitality of our Nation.

In recognition of the importance of our Nation's
children, the Senate, by Senate Resolution 90 approved
May 25, 2001, has designated June 3, 2001, as
``National Child's Day'' and has requested that the
President issue a Proclamation calling for appropriate
ceremonies and activities.

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 3, 2001, as National
Child's Day. I encourage all Americans to share in the
mission of preparing

our young people for life's challenges and
opportunities. By reading to youngsters, listening to
their cares and concerns, and providing them with safe
and loving homes, we can make a positive and lasting
contribution to their health, happiness, and well-
being.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
second day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

(Presidential Sig.)B