National Child's Day, 2008

Proclamation 8267 of May 30, 2008

National Child's Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America has a duty to provide its children with the
support and skills they need to become the next
generation of responsible leaders. On National Child's
Day, we underscore the importance of fostering the
love, encouragement, and protection that empowers our
children to become happy and successful adults.

Children are a precious gift who need the love and
support of family and friends to lead lives rich in
promise and fulfillment. Parents are the most vital
part of a child's life, providing them with the
guidance and discipline to make the right choices and
understand the consequences of their actions. Family,
teachers, and others inspire our youth to use their
talents and to become confident and caring adults.
Religious and community leaders also have a role in
teaching values and encouraging children to love their
neighbors just as they would like to be loved
themselves. Together, we can all help our children be
prepared to meet life's challenges and realize the
great promise of our country.

My Administration continues to support programs that
help prepare America's youth for the opportunities
ahead. The No Child Left Behind Act requires that every
child have access to a quality education. We have made
significant progress toward that goal across the
country, with students achieving record math and
reading scores. The America COMPETES Act, which was
built upon my American Competitiveness Initiative,
helped strengthen our goal of staying competitive
within the global economy. The Helping America's Youth
initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, encourages
adults to work to help our young people reach their
full potential.

On National Child's Day and throughout the year, we
honor the boys and girls of America and show our
gratitude to those who work to support them. This day
is a reminder to us all that our commitment to children
helps make our country a better place.

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, 2008, as National
Child's Day. I call upon all our citizens to celebrate
National Child's Day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities. I also urge all Americans to dedicate time
and energy to educating our youth and providing them
with a safe and caring environment.

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