For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 23, 2002
Family Day, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's character begins in the home, where children learn proper
standards of conduct, principled values, and the importance of
service. Families provide children the encouragement, support, and
love they need to become confident, compassionate, and successful
members of society. We must work together to promote and preserve the
health and security of our families by upholding the timeless values
that have sustained our society through history.
Recent events have reminded Americans of the blessings of family
and friends, and of the importance of faith. As a Nation, we have a
renewed dedication to our freedom, our country, and our principles. In
homes, schools, places of worship, the workplace, and civic and social
organizations, we must continue to encourage responsibility,
compassion, and good citizenship.
Americans must also act to fight crime and drugs, and provide a
safe and healthy environment for our children. We can begin by working
to strengthen the bonds and improving communication between parents and
children. Research done by the National Center on Addiction and
Substance Abuse at Columbia University has consistently shown that the
more often children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely
children are to smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs. Naturally, parents
should be the most prominent and active figures in their children's
lives. By spending more family time together, parents can better
engage with their children and encourage them to make the right
choices.
The nurturing and development of our families require investment,
focus, and commitment. Strong families make strong and drug-free
communities. By taking time to develop positive and open relationships
with their children, parents help fight the war on drugs and encourage
positive choices. Across our land, citizens, schools, and civic
institutions can assist families by helping to meet the needs of all
those who live in our communities. As we work together to strengthen
our families, we will build a Nation of hope and opportunity for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 23, 2002,
as Family Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe
this day by spending quality time with family members and engaging in
other nurturing activities to strengthen the relationships between
parents and children and help fight against substance abuse.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|