Child Health Day, 2005

Proclamation 7939 of September 30, 2005

Child Health Day, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Children are a precious gift, and we have a
responsibility to help them realize a hopeful and
promising future. On Child Health Day, we underscore
the importance of healthy and active lifestyles for our
Nation's young people, and we reaffirm our commitment
to helping them use their gifts to work toward a
successful future.

We have high aspirations for all our Nation's children.
Parents play the central role in ensuring the health
and well-being of their children and in creating a safe
and nurturing environment. Schools, communities, and
government leaders can support the work of parents by
helping to build a society based on the fundamental
values of respect, honesty, self-restraint, fairness,
and compassion. We must all continue to promote a
culture of responsibility in which families and
communities teach young people to understand that their
decisions affect their health now and in the future.

My Administration remains committed to giving parents,
teachers, mentors, and communities the resources they
need to help children avoid drugs, alcohol, violence,
early sexual activity, and other dangerous behaviors.
Through the Helping America's Youth initiative, led by
First Lady Laura Bush, we are helping children to
overcome the challenges they may face so they can lead
healthy lives and realize their full potential.

Young people are America's future leaders, and we can
all work to instill the values that sustain a free
society. On this day and throughout the year, I urge
our citizens to give their time and talents to benefit
our Nation's youth.

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 3, 2005, as Child Health Day. I call upon
families, schools, child health professionals, faith-
based and community organizations, and governments to
help all our children discover the rewards of good
health and wellness.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B