National Family Week, 2001

Proclamation 7506 of November 21, 2001

National Family Week, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

American families are the bedrock of our society. They
are the primary source of strength and health for both
individuals and communities across our Nation. As we
continue our recovery from the horrific acts committed
by terrorists against the United States on September
11, our families provide us with a vital source of
comfort and reassurance.

Americans grieve with those who suffered the loss of a
family member in the brutal and cowardly terrorist
attacks. The September 11 tragedy has allowed America
to see firsthand the profound bonds of love that
characterize the American family. Parents, children,
spouses, and siblings mourned their lost loved ones,
cared for the injured, and prayed for protection and
health for all Americans. In the midst of great loss,
we saw great love flowing from the hearts of America's
families.

My Administration is committed to strengthening the
American family. Many one-parent families are also a
source of comfort and reassurance, yet a family with a
mom and dad who are committed to marriage and devote
themselves to their children helps provide children a
sound foundation for success. Government can support
families by promoting policies that help strengthen the
institution of marriage and help parents rear their
children in positive and healthy environments.

My proposed budget includes initiatives that encourage
family cohesion. It provides over $60 million for
grants that encourage responsible fatherhood. Grants
would be awarded to groups that promote successful
parenting and strong marriages and to faith-based and
community organizations that help unemployed or low-
income parents and their children avoid or leave
welfare. This initiative will help spur new community-
level approaches to aid low-income families.

To strengthen States' ability to promote child safety,
stability, and well-being, my budget also proposes a
substantial increase in funding for the Promoting Safe
and Stable Families program. These additional resources
will help States keep children with their biological
families, when safe and appropriate, or place children
with loving adoptive families. By undertaking more
preventative efforts to help families in crisis, the
prospects for children to live in a permanent home are
enhanced.

As we observe National Family Week, we must work to
strengthen families in America as individuals and
through Government and community-based organizations.
This week serves to remind us of the values, security,
and love that we give and receive in our families.

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 November 18 through November
24, 2001, as National Family Week. I invite the States,
communities, and people of the United States to join
together in observing this day 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 one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B