For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 3, 2005
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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