National Child's Day, 2009

Proclamation 8457 of November 20, 2009

National Child's Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's children deserve every opportunity to reach
their fullest potential, and it is our responsibility
to ensure they have the tools required to grow and
flourish. This includes providing our young people with
access to affordable, high-quality health care and an
education that both informs and inspires. On National
Child's Day, we celebrate the promise living within
every child.

Ensuring the health and well-being of our Nation's
children is one of our highest responsibilities. I was
proud to sign the reauthorization of the Children's
Health Insurance Program (CHIP), extending health care
to millions of young Americans who were previously
uninsured. When given proper nutrition and medical
care, healthy children can become productive, healthy
adults.

My Administration is also committed to giving our
children the educational support necessary for their
development and future success. That is why we
announced our Race to the Top award program, which
challenges States to compete for over $4 billion in
grants designed to spur systemic reform and embrace
innovative approaches to teaching and learning in
America's schools. If we are willing to come together
and embrace a spirit of common purpose, our schools
will perform better and our students will reach
farther.

Across America, countless individuals selflessly
provide their time and energy in our homes, schools,
and community organizations to ensure our sons and
daughters may one day realize their dreams. Today, we
recommit ourselves to the vision of our founders to
give all our children a fair chance and an equal start
in life.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim November 22, 2009, as
National Child's Day. I call upon all citizens to
observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies,
and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twentieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.