For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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