National Family Week, 2014

Proclamation 9213 of November 21, 2014

National Family Week, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In big cities and small towns throughout our Nation,
the strength and diversity of hardworking families
reflect the promise of America--that with grit and
determination, anyone can build a better future for
themselves and their children. Families provide love
and encouragement, and they are a source of support and
inspiration to a generation limited only by the size of
their dreams and the power of their imagination. During
National Family Week, we celebrate our family members
and the countless ways they lift us up, and we continue
our work to bolster the bonds that tie all of us
together.

Family is the bedrock of our lives, and my
Administration is fighting to ensure Americans are able
to seize their every opportunity and fulfill their
responsibilities to their loved ones. Working mothers
and fathers should not have to choose between their
career and their life at home--especially when a new
baby or an aging parent needs them most--and no one who
works full-time should have to raise their family in
poverty. Family leave, childcare, and workplace
flexibility are not bonuses, they are basic needs; and
earlier this year, we held the first-ever White House
Summit on Working Families, bringing together private
and public sector partners who know that family-
friendly policies are good business practices too.

My Administration is supporting programs that help
families thrive. Many workers who would benefit from an
increase in the minimum wage are supporting children
and families, and that is why I continue to work to
make sure an honest day's work is rewarded with an
honest day's pay. The Affordable Care Act expands
access to quality, affordable health insurance,
providing millions of Americans with the freedom to
take the best job for their families without worrying
about losing their health care. And the Federal
Government is leading the way by increasing
opportunities for flexible work schedules for Federal
employees and giving these workers the right to request
them.

Each day, American families do everything right: they
work hard, live responsibly, take care of their
children, and participate in their neighborhoods. They
deserve the opportunity to succeed and a country that
supports lasting economic security for all. This week,
we recognize the employers and communities that empower
families, and we honor our family members and all those
who sacrifice to ensure every possibility is within our
reach. Let us recommit to building a society where
dynamic workplaces support strong families, where time
with our loved ones is precious but not rare.

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 November 23 through
November 29, 2014, as National Family Week. I invite
all States, communities, and individuals to join in
observing this week with appropriate ceremonies and
activities to honor our Nation's families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-first day of November, in the year of our Lord
two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.