Gerald R. Ford

“ In the years since 1928, when Child Health Day was first proclaimed, our concept of health has acquired new dimensions. No longer do we consider health merely the timely treatment and cure of illness. Health now encompasses the prevention of those conditions which can lead to illness. ”

“ In our Bicentennial year as a Nation, we are charting a course for the future that will enable us to complete the American dream. We can be certain that future scientific discoveries will help to control and conquer other conditions which now cripple or otherwise handicap children. For the present, each of us must resolve to apply the knowledge and the means now at hand for the fullest protection of our children's health. ”

“ Scientific technology and medical research have given us many new tools to help in the essential tasks of preventing illness or conditions which can cripple. Thanks to vaccines which have been developed in recent decades, poliomyelitis is no longer the widespread crippler it once was. Children can now be protected against measles and the risk of death or brain damage resulting from this disease. Immunization against rubella not only protects young children, but also protects pregnant women from contracting the disease and risking the mental health of their unborn children. ”