104 STAT. 5412 PROCLAMATION 6197—OCT. 9, 1990 NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 7 through October 13, 1990, as Mental Illness Awareness Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities designed to foster greater understanding for mentally ill individuals and recognition of their need for treatment and rehabilitation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 6197 of October 9, 1990 National Children's Day, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every child is a great and precious blessing, a unique individual of inestimable worth and potential. Given love, encouragement, and the opportunity to develop his or her own special gifts, every child will make a singular contribution to his family and to the world around him. Parents have no greater or more rewarding responsibility than to welcome, nurture, and protect the children God has entrusted to their care. In addition to supplying the steady, reliable material support that is vital to their children's emotional and physical well-being, parents are charged with the stewardship of their little ones' spiritual and intellectual development. Whether he or she is their biological, adoptive, or foster child, every youngster needs both parents' attention and affection, as well as praise and guidance. The time a child spends with his or her parents is priceless, because the lessons learned in their company will last a lifetime. Indeed, as their first teachers, best friends, and most influential role models, parents shape the course of their little ones' life's journey, helping them to grow in faith, self-discipline, self-esteem, and respect and concern for others. The importance of parents' example cannot be overstated, because without trust in God and a firm belief in what is right and good, a child is much like a ship without an anchor or a compass. The government must not and, indeed, cannot arrogate to itself the primary responsibility of parents in caring for their children. However, it can help parents in their sometimes difficult role through wise and carefully developed measures that strengthen the family and give every child the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, and well educated. On this day set aside in honor of our Nation's youngest and most vulnerable citizens, let us remember that each and every child is a treasure from God. Let us also renew our determination to render our children the love and respect they need and deserve. Doing so is not only a moral imperative, it is also in om* Nation's best interest. After all, the
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