Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 117.djvu/3070

 PROCLAMATION 7683—MAY 30, 2003

117 STAT. 3051

lence. These crimes break our hearts and stir our anger. Our Nation shares the joy of the parents who are reunited with their children, and prays with those who are still hoping and waiting. We grieve with every family that has suffered the loss of or injury to a child. We will continue the fight against the threats that our children face. 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 May 25, 2003, as National Missing Children’s Day. I call upon Americans to join me in commemorating this observance by celebrating those children who have been returned to their loved ones, remembering those young people who are missing, and continuing to work together on every front to protect our children from those who would seek to harm them. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentythird day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH

Proclamation 7683 of May 30, 2003

National Child’s Day, 2003 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On National Child’s Day, we celebrate the future of our Nation and the promise of America’s youth. As a Nation, as parents, and as community members, we have a responsibility to build a secure and nurturing society so that our children have the opportunity to grow, learn, work, and succeed. Creating an environment that instills important values, builds strong character, and provides sound education for our children is a vital national priority. With a firm foundation, children will be better able to face the challenges of the future. Parents are a child’s first teachers, and they can be the most effective instructors. One of the most helpful activities parents can do with their children is read with them. Children who develop a love for reading expand their imaginations and cultivate a thirst for learning that lasts a lifetime. By talking, listening, and reading to our children, we can help them build the confidence they need to succeed in life. Parents’ role as educators becomes even more important as schools across the country prepare for summer recess. Summertime is not only a time for children to relax and play, it is also a time for parents to strengthen their ties to their children by spending time with them and helping them to broaden their experiences. To expand on the important work that parents do, my Administration has taken significant steps to help give our children greater opportunities to learn. By improving our education system and encouraging early reading and language skills, we give our children the tools they will

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