Proclamations Proc. 7604 Child obesity has become a serious problem in this country. About 8 mil- lion young Americans--almost 15 percent of all children--are overweight. Obesity can cause medical complications that can lead to hospitalization for type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and asthma. Ensuring regular participation in physical activity can help children manage weight, control blood pres- sure, and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and ioints. My Administration is strongly committed to advancing programs that help children discover and understand the benefits of healthy living. The re- cently introduced HealthierUS Initiative will help Americans improve their health and quality of life through modest improvements in physical activ- ity, nutrition, getting preventive screenings, and making healthy choices. Families play a vital role and can help to promote and encourage these beneficial habits. By committing ourselves to health and safety, we better enable young peo- ple to achieve their goals, live longer, fuller lives, and we strengthen our Nation. The Congress, by a ioint resolution approved May 18, \177928, as amended (36 U.S.C. \17705), has called for the designation of the first Monday in October as "Child Health Day" and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 7, 2002, as Child Health Day. On this day, and on every day throughout the year, I call upon fami- lies, schools, child health professionals, communities, and governments to help all of our children discover the rewards of good health and wellness. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7604 of October 4, 2002 German-American Day, 2002 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation As the oldest and longest-lived democracy in the world, our Nation is com- mitted to promoting freedom, protecting liberty, and pursuing peace. For over 225 years, America has been a place where people have come to real- ize their dreams and enjoy the blessings of religious tolerance and indi- vidual rights. In 1683, 13 immigrant families left Germany to escape religious persecution and establish the first German settlement in North America in German- town, Pennsylvania. Since that time, more than 7 million German immi- grants have come to America, and through hard work, innovation, and dedication, they have influenced our Nation and strengthened our country. Each year, we celebrate German-American Day, which offers us the chance to reflect on the proud and important contributions that German Americans have made to the United States. 145
�
