NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH, 2013
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
America is a country where all of us should be able to pursue our own
measure of happiness and live free from fear. But for the millions of
children who have experienced abuse or neglect, it is a promise that
goes tragically unfulfilled. National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a
time to make their struggle our own and reaffirm a simple truth: that no
matter the challenges we face, caring for our children must always be
our first task.
Realizing that truth in our society means ensuring children know they
are never alone -- that they always have a place to go and there are
always people on their side. Parents and caregivers play an essential
part in giving their children that stability. But we also know that
keeping our children safe is something we can only do together, with the
help of friends and neighbors and the broader community. All of us bear
a responsibility to look after them, whether by lifting children toward
their full potential or lending a hand to a family in need.
Our Government shares in that obligation, which is why my
Administration has made addressing child abuse a priority. Since I took
office, we have advocated for responsible parenting and invested in
programs that can give our sons and daughters a strong start in life. I
was also proud to sign measures into law that equip State and local
governments with the tools to take on abuse, like the CAPTA
Reauthorization Act and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
Together, we are making important progress in stopping child abuse and
neglect. But we cannot let up -- not when children are still growing up
looking for a lifeline, and not when more than half a million young
people are robbed of their basic right to safety every year. So this
month, let us stand up for them and make their voices heard. To learn
more about ending child abuse and how to get involved, visit
www.ChildWelfare.gov/Preventing.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2013 as
National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to
observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child
abuse and provide for children's physical, emotional, and developmental
needs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand
thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK OBAMA
and don't forget...it's monday! wear blue!
