National Child's Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Children are the future of our country and America's next generation
of leaders. All of us -- parents, families, teachers, mentors, and
community members -- have a responsibility to children to honor and pass
along the values that sustain a free society. By spending time with a
young person, adults can help our Nation's youth to make the right
choices. On National Child's Day, we underscore our commitment to
supporting children and to helping them realize a bright and hopeful
future.
Family is the most important influence in a child's life. Parents are
teachers, disciplinarians, advisors, and role models. By providing hope
and stability, parents help children to understand the consequences of
their actions and to recognize that the decisions they make today can
affect the rest of their lives. Through initiatives that promote healthy
marriages, responsible fatherhood, and adoption and foster care
programs, my Administration is helping to ensure that more young people
have a foundation of love and support.
Teachers also make a real difference in children's lives. America's
educators help our students build character and acquire the skills and
knowledge they need to succeed as adults. My Administration is insisting
upon accountability in our public schools. We want every child to have
an opportunity to realize the great promise of our country.
By mentoring children and helping them to achieve their dreams,
Americans can fill their own lives with greater purpose and help make
our country a better place. Our children benefit from a sense of
community, and each of us has the power to make a difference in a
child's life. I have introduced the Helping America's Youth initiative,
led by First Lady Laura Bush, so that every child can grow up with a
caring adult in his or her life -- whether that adult is a parent, a
teacher, a coach, or a mentor. I encourage all Americans to volunteer
their time and talents to benefit our Nation's youth.
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 5, 2005, as National
Child's Day, and I call upon citizens to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also urge all Americans to
dedicate their time and talents toward helping our Nation's young people
so that all children may reach as far as their vision and character can
take them.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
June, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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