Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 39
CHAPTER 26
Relative to children.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
May 20, 2009.
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LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 39, Caballero.
Dia de los Ninos.
This measure would designate April 30, 2009, as El Dia de los Ninos: Children’s Day.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, Children’s Day was first celebrated worldwide in October 1953, under the sponsorship of the International Union for Child Welfare in Geneva, Switzerland. The idea of a universal Children’s Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954 and takes place on November 20 annually; and
WHEREAS, Children’s Day was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children; and
WHEREAS, The anniversary of the day when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 is November 20. The Convention on the Rights of the Child was then signed on the same day in 1989, which has since been ratified by 191 states; and
WHEREAS, Children’s Day observations in the United States predate both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. In 1856, Reverend Charles H. Leonard, D.D., then pastor of the First Universalist Church of Chelsea, Massachusetts, set apart a Sunday for the dedication of children to the Christian life, and for the rededication of parents and guardians to bringing up their children in the Christian life. This service was first observed the second Sunday in June; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Children’s Day was proclaimed by President George W. Bush as June 3; and
WHEREAS, In Japan, “Kodomo no Hi,” Children’s Day, is a national holiday that takes place on May 5 as a day set aside to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness. Families raise carp-shaped koinobori flags to represent the legend where carp that swim upstream become dragons, because the flags blowing in the wind look like carp swimming. Originally celebrated as “Tango no Sekku,” Boy’s Day, on May 5 and “Hinamatusuri,” Girl’s Day, on March 3, the holidays were merged in 1948; and
WHEREAS, In Thailand, Children’s Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in January and organizations from both the government and the private sector have celebration activities for children, including entering the zoo or using the bus for free. Thailand’s Prime Minister gives Children’s Day a unique motto every year. On Children’s Day, the government house is open for children to sit in the seat of the Prime Minister and the conference room of parliament; and
WHEREAS, In New Zealand, Children’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in March. It is a national, noncommercial day to celebrate how special and important their children are; and
WHEREAS, In Mexico, Children’s Day or “El Dia del Nino,” is celebrated on April 30 in recognition of their children who are the future of their country; and
WHEREAS, Children represent the hopes and dreams of the citizens of California and should be nurtured and invested in, in order to preserve and enhance democracy, the American spirit, and economic prosperity; and
WHEREAS, Latinos in California are the youngest and fastest growing ethnic community in the state; 48 percent of all Californian children are Hispanic or Latino. This community continues the tradition of honoring their children on this day, and wishes to share this tradition with the rest of the state; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of children in the Golden State will provide an opportunity for children to express their dreams and aspirations and find comfort and security in the support of their family members and communities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature designates April 30, 2009, as “El Dia de los Ninos: Children’s Day” and requests that the State of California observes the day with appropriate ceremonies and includes activities that focus on persuading children to express their aspirations and dreams in life, including all members of the family to promote greater communications, and helping children develop confidence to become great leaders and members of society.